Earwig Scorpionfly vs Giant Jawed Longhorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Earwig Scorpionfly Giant Jawed Longhorn
Scientific Name Merope tuber Macrodontia dejeanii
Order Mecoptera Coleoptera
Family Meropeidae Cerambycidae
Size 10-12 mm 50-85 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Detritivores Wood Feeders
Regions North America Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
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.

Giant Jawed Longhorn

A large prionine with impressive curved mandibles from the tropical forests of South America. While smaller than the famous M. cervicornis, it is still a formidable insect. Males use their enlarged mandibles in combat over females.

💡

Did You Know?

The mandibles of males can account for nearly a third of total body length and are used like antlers in combat.