Earwig Scorpionfly vs Japanese Scorpionfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Earwig Scorpionfly	Japanese Scorpionfly
Scientific Name	Merope tuber	Panorpa japonica
Order	Mecoptera	Mecoptera
Family	Meropeidae	Panorpidae
Size	10-12 mm	13-18 mm
Habitat	Forests	Forests
Diet	Detritivores	Fruit Feeders
Regions	North America	Asia
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.

Japanese Scorpionfly

A scorpionfly common in Japanese forests with spotted wings and a distinctive reddish-brown body. It feeds on dead insects and overripe fruit on the forest floor.

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Did You Know?

Japanese scorpionflies have been extensively studied for their complex mating rituals involving nuptial gifts and elaborate courtship displays.