Common Earwig vs Japanese Katydid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Earwig | Japanese Katydid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Forficula auricularia | Gampsocleis buergeri |
| Order | Dermaptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Tettigoniidae |
| Size | 12-17 mm | 40-55 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, worldwide (introduced) | Japan, Korea, China |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Japanese Katydid
A large green katydid with a robust body and powerful jaws found across Japan. Its loud evening chirping song is one of the defining sounds of the Japanese summer.
Did You Know?
It has been kept as a singing pet in Japan for centuries, with elaborate bamboo cages made for it.