Common Earwig vs Bat Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Earwig | Bat Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Forficula auricularia | Arixenia esau |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Arixeniidae |
| Size | 12-17 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Caves |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, worldwide (introduced) | Southeast Asia, Borneo, Philippines |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
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.
Bat Earwig
A remarkable wingless earwig that lives exclusively in bat caves, clinging to the bodies and roosting areas of naked bulldog bats. It has reduced eyes and modified forceps.
Did You Know?
Arixeniidae and Hemimeridae are the only earwig families that are viviparous, giving birth to live young.