Maritime Earwig vs Hop-Garden Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Maritime Earwig Hop-Garden Earwig
Scientific Name Anisolabis maritima Forficula lesnei
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Anisolabididae Forficulidae
Size 18-25 mm 9-13 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Gardens
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Hop-Garden Earwig

A small earwig closely related to the European earwig but distinguished by its shorter wing cases. It is found in southern European gardens and orchards.

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Did You Know?

This species was long confused with the European earwig and was only recognized as distinct in the early twentieth century.