Gall Wasp vs Small Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gall Wasp Small Earwig
Scientific Name Andricus quercuscalicis Apterygida media
Order Hymenoptera Dermaptera
Family Cynipidae Forficulidae
Size 3-4 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Gall Makers Detritivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Gall Wasp

A tiny wasp that induces knopper galls on oak acorns, deforming them completely.

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Did You Know?

It has alternating sexual and asexual generations that produce different gall types.

Small Earwig

A small reddish-brown earwig found in woodland leaf litter across Europe. Males have strongly curved forceps while females have nearly straight ones.

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Did You Know?

The dramatic difference in forceps shape between males and females is one of the most pronounced sexual dimorphisms among earwigs.