Common Earwig vs Reuterella Barklouse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Earwig | Reuterella Barklouse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Forficula auricularia | Reuterella helvimacula |
| Order | Dermaptera | Psocoptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Elipsocidae |
| Size | 12-17 mm | 2.0-3.5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, worldwide (introduced) | Europe |
| 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.
Reuterella Barklouse
A small barklouse with distinctive pale spots on dark wings found on tree bark. It is common in mixed forests throughout Europe.
Did You Know?
This barklouse is one of the few European psocid species that can be identified in the field by its wing pattern alone.