Hemiandrus Earwig vs Emerald-spotted Flatwing Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hemiandrus Earwig Emerald-spotted Flatwing Damselfly
Scientific Name Hemimerus talpoides Phaon iridipennis
Order Dermaptera Odonata
Family Hemimeridae Calopterygidae
Size 8-12 mm 40-50 mm body length
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hemiandrus Earwig

A blind, wingless earwig that lives exclusively as a commensal on giant pouched rats. Its cerci are modified into short, unsegmented claspers rather than the typical forceps.

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Did You Know?

Unlike all other earwigs, Hemimerus gives birth to live young that develop inside the mother via a placenta-like structure.

Emerald-spotted Flatwing Damselfly

A stunning damselfly with metallic green and blue body and broad, iridescent wings with emerald spots. Males display by opening and closing their wings to attract females along streams.

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Did You Know?

Males perform elaborate courtship displays, hovering in front of females while slowly fanning their iridescent wings to catch the sunlight.