Hemiandrus Earwig vs Giant Net-Winged Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hemiandrus Earwig Giant Net-Winged Midge
Scientific Name Hemimerus talpoides Bibiocephala grandis
Order Dermaptera Diptera
Family Hemimeridae Blephariceridae
Size 8-12 mm 10-15 mm
Habitat Farmland Mountains
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa North America
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.

Giant Net-Winged Midge

The largest net-winged midge in North America, found in powerful western mountain torrents. Larvae have six robust suction discs for gripping wet rock.

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Did You Know?

At up to 15 mm, it is a giant among net-winged midges, most of which are under 8 mm.