Hop-Garden Earwig vs Bat Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hop-Garden Earwig Bat Earwig
Scientific Name Forficula lesnei Arixenia esau
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Forficulidae Arixeniidae
Size 9-13 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Gardens Caves
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Southeast Asia, Borneo, Philippines
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Hop-Garden Earwig

A small earwig closely related to the European earwig but distinguished by its shorter wing cases. It is found in southern European gardens and orchards.

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Did You Know?

This species was long confused with the European earwig and was only recognized as distinct in the early twentieth century.

Bat Earwig

A remarkable wingless earwig that lives exclusively in bat caves, clinging to the bodies and roosting areas of naked bulldog bats. It has reduced eyes and modified forceps.

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Did You Know?

Arixeniidae and Hemimeridae are the only earwig families that are viviparous, giving birth to live young.