Lesser Earwig vs Bog Bush-cricket

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Earwig Bog Bush-cricket
Scientific Name Labia minor Metrioptera brachyptera
Order Dermaptera Orthoptera
Family Spongiphoridae Tettigoniidae
Size 5-7 mm 13-20mm
Habitat Gardens Heathland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, North America, Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Lesser Earwig

The smallest European earwig and one of the few that readily flies. It is often found in compost heaps and manure piles where it feeds on fly larvae.

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Did You Know?

Despite its tiny size, this earwig is one of the best fliers in the order and is regularly attracted to artificial lights.

Bog Bush-cricket

A dark-colored bush-cricket with short wings and pale lateral stripes on the pronotum. It favors wet heathlands and bogs. Its song is a series of brief chirps.

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Did You Know?

It is an indicator species for high-quality wet heathland habitat in Europe.