Japanese Earwig vs Common Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Earwig | Common Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anechura harmandi | Forficula auricularia |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Forficulidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 12-17 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Asia | Europe, worldwide (introduced) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Common Earwig
Nocturnal omnivore with distinctive forceps-shaped cerci. One of the few non-social insects to show maternal care — females guard and clean their eggs, and feed hatchlings.
Did You Know?
Female earwigs are devoted mothers — they guard their eggs for months, licking them regularly to prevent fungal infection, and continue caring for nymphs after hatching.