Common Earwig vs Black Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Earwig | Black Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Forficula auricularia | Chelisoches morio |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Chelisochidae |
| Size | 12-17 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, worldwide (introduced) | Asia, Oceania |
| 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.
Black Earwig
A glossy black earwig with reddish legs commonly found in tropical regions. It is often associated with banana plantations and palm trees.
Did You Know?
The black earwig has been spread throughout the tropics via the banana trade and is now pantropical in distribution.