Japanese Earwig vs Bat Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Earwig | Bat Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anechura harmandi | Arixenia esau |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Arixeniidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Caves |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Asia | Southeast Asia, Borneo, Philippines |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Japanese Earwig
A montane earwig found in the mountains of Japan, known for extreme maternal care. Females guard eggs and first-instar nymphs in burrows under stones.
Did You Know?
Japanese earwig mothers sacrifice their own bodies as food for their young — the nymphs consume the mother after she dies.
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.
Did You Know?
Arixeniidae and Hemimeridae are the only earwig families that are viviparous, giving birth to live young.