Maritime Earwig vs Small Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Maritime Earwig Small Earwig
Scientific Name Anisolabis maritima Apterygida media
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Anisolabididae Forficulidae
Size 18-25 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Woodlands
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.

Small Earwig

A small reddish-brown earwig found in woodland leaf litter across Europe. Males have strongly curved forceps while females have nearly straight ones.

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Did You Know?

The dramatic difference in forceps shape between males and females is one of the most pronounced sexual dimorphisms among earwigs.