Earwig Scorpionfly vs European Hangingfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Earwig Scorpionfly | European Hangingfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Merope tuber | Bittacus italicus |
| Order | Mecoptera | Mecoptera |
| Family | Meropeidae | Bittacidae |
| Size | 10-12 mm | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Grasslands |
| Diet | Detritivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Earwig Scorpionfly
An extremely rare and primitive scorpionfly with forcep-like cerci reminiscent of earwigs. It is nocturnal and found in leaf litter of old-growth eastern North American forests.
Did You Know?
Merope tuber is so rarely encountered that its biology and ecology remain largely mysterious despite being described over 150 years ago.
European Hangingfly
A delicate predatory insect with long legs that hangs from grass stems and snatches prey with its prehensile hind tarsi. Found in Mediterranean grasslands.
Did You Know?
The prehensile hind tarsi of hangingflies can close like a jackknife, trapping prey in a fraction of a second.