Black Earwig vs Striped Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Earwig Striped Earwig
Scientific Name Chelisoches morio Labidura riparia
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Chelisochidae Labiduridae
Size 15-20 mm 16-26 mm
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Fruit Feeders Omnivores
Regions Asia, Oceania Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Striped Earwig

A large, pale sandy-brown earwig with dark longitudinal stripes, commonly found near water. It is one of the most widespread earwig species globally.

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Did You Know?

Striped earwigs are strong fliers and are frequently attracted to lights at night, unlike most earwig species.