Hop-Garden Earwig vs Pitted Ambrosia Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hop-Garden Earwig Pitted Ambrosia Beetle
Scientific Name Forficula lesnei Cnesinus strigicollis
Order Dermaptera Coleoptera
Family Forficulidae Curculionidae
Size 9-13 mm 2-3mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Detritivores Fungus Feeders
Regions Europe North America, South America
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.

Pitted Ambrosia Beetle

A tiny dark brown bark beetle that cultivates fungal gardens inside its tunnels. It introduces ambrosia fungi into the wood which it and its larvae eat.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of many beetle species that practice true agriculture cultivating fungal crops inside tree tunnels for food.