Common Earwig vs Spine-Tailed Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Earwig | Spine-Tailed Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Forficula auricularia | Doru aculeatum |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Forficulidae |
| Size | 12-17 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, worldwide (introduced) | North America |
| 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.
Spine-Tailed Earwig
A slender earwig found in cornfields and grassy habitats across eastern North America. It shelters in the leaf whorls of corn and other tall grasses.
Did You Know?
Farmers consider this earwig beneficial because it preys heavily on corn earworm eggs and aphids in crop fields.