Larger Citronella Ant vs Bat Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Larger Citronella Ant Bat Earwig
Scientific Name Lasius interjectus Arixenia esau
Order Hymenoptera Dermaptera
Family Formicidae Arixeniidae
Size 4-4.5 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Caves Caves
Diet Root Feeders Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Southeast Asia, Borneo, Philippines
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Larger Citronella Ant

A subterranean yellow ant that emits a strong lemon-like odor when crushed. It lives entirely underground tending root-feeding aphids for honeydew.

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Did You Know?

These ants are rarely seen above ground except during mating flights, when winged reproductives emerge in large swarms.

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.

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Did You Know?

Arixeniidae and Hemimeridae are the only earwig families that are viviparous, giving birth to live young.