Large Pale Clothes Moth vs Maritime Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Pale Clothes Moth Maritime Earwig
Scientific Name Tinea pallescentella Anisolabis maritima
Order Lepidoptera Dermaptera
Family Tineidae Anisolabididae
Size 7-11 mm body; 15-22 mm wingspan 18-25 mm
Habitat Woodlands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, North America Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Large Pale Clothes Moth

A pale straw-colored clothes moth that is larger than the common webbing clothes moth. Its larvae prefer coarser animal fibers and are frequently found in old birds' nests.

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Did You Know?

It is more commonly associated with roof spaces and bird nests than with clothing in wardrobes.

Maritime Earwig

A wingless earwig found in coastal habitats, living under driftwood and seaweed on beaches. It is dark brown to black with robust forceps.

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Did You Know?

This earwig is one of the few insects adapted to the harsh intertidal zone, tolerating brief submersion in saltwater.