Earwig Scorpionfly vs Wood Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Earwig Scorpionfly Wood Cockroach
Scientific Name Merope tuber Ectobius lapponicus
Order Mecoptera Blattodea
Family Meropeidae Ectobiidae
Size 10-12 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
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.

Wood Cockroach

A small outdoor cockroach that lives in European leaf litter and never enters buildings.

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Did You Know?

Unlike pest species it avoids human habitation and cannot survive indoors.