Black Earwig vs Saint Helena Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Earwig Saint Helena Earwig
Scientific Name Chelisoches morio Labidura herculeana
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Chelisochidae Labiduridae
Size 15-20 mm 78 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Fruit Feeders Omnivores
Regions Asia, Oceania Africa
Conservation Least Concern Extinct

Black Earwig

A glossy black earwig with reddish legs commonly found in tropical regions. It is often associated with banana plantations and palm trees.

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Did You Know?

The black earwig has been spread throughout the tropics via the banana trade and is now pantropical in distribution.

Saint Helena Earwig

Was the worlds largest earwig at 78 mm. Endemic to Saint Helena island. Not seen since 1967 and declared extinct in 2014 due to habitat destruction and invasive species.

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Did You Know?

The Saint Helena giant earwig — the worlds largest earwig at 78 mm — went extinct without most people knowing it existed. It was last seen alive in 1967.