Hemiandrus Earwig vs Lesser Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hemiandrus Earwig | Lesser Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemimerus talpoides | Labia minor |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Hemimeridae | Spongiphoridae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Sub-Saharan Africa | Europe, North America, Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Unlike all other earwigs, Hemimerus gives birth to live young that develop inside the mother via a placenta-like structure.
Lesser Earwig
The smallest European earwig and one of the few that readily flies. It is often found in compost heaps and manure piles where it feeds on fly larvae.
Did You Know?
Despite its tiny size, this earwig is one of the best fliers in the order and is regularly attracted to artificial lights.