Earwig Scorpionfly vs German Scorpionfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Earwig Scorpionfly German Scorpionfly
Scientific Name Merope tuber Panorpa germanica
Order Mecoptera Mecoptera
Family Meropeidae Panorpidae
Size 10-12 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Carrion Feeders
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.

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Did You Know?

Merope tuber is so rarely encountered that its biology and ecology remain largely mysterious despite being described over 150 years ago.

German Scorpionfly

A scorpionfly with bold wing markings found in shaded woodland habitats across central Europe. Like other Panorpa species, it has a distinctive elongated face.

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Did You Know?

German scorpionflies frequently steal prey from spider webs, delicately plucking trapped insects without becoming ensnared themselves.