Common Earwig vs African Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Earwig | African Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Forficula auricularia | Forficula senegalensis |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Forficulidae |
| Size | 12-17 mm | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe, worldwide (introduced) | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Earwig
Nocturnal omnivore with distinctive forceps-shaped cerci. One of the few non-social insects to show maternal care — females guard and clean their eggs, and feed hatchlings.
Did You Know?
Female earwigs are devoted mothers — they guard their eggs for months, licking them regularly to prevent fungal infection, and continue caring for nymphs after hatching.
African Earwig
A small, dark brown earwig with distinctive curved cerci (pincers) at the tip of the abdomen. It is nocturnal and hides in dark crevices during the day.
Did You Know?
Mother earwigs exhibit remarkable maternal care, guarding their eggs and cleaning them to prevent fungal infection, then protecting the nymphs after hatching.