Hop-Garden Earwig vs Mother of Pearl Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hop-Garden Earwig Mother of Pearl Caddisfly
Scientific Name Forficula lesnei Mystacides azurea
Order Dermaptera Trichoptera
Family Forficulidae Leptoceridae
Size 9-13 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Gardens Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Mother of Pearl Caddisfly

A small iridescent caddisfly with long antennae and pearly blue-green wings. It swarms in large mating flights over lakes and slow rivers.

💡

Did You Know?

The iridescent wing scales of this caddisfly create a shimmering blue-green appearance unique among the Trichoptera.