Mediterranean Scoliid Wasp vs Saint Helena Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mediterranean Scoliid Wasp Saint Helena Earwig
Scientific Name Scolia hirta Labidura herculeana
Order Hymenoptera Dermaptera
Family Scoliidae Labiduridae
Size 15-25 mm 78 mm
Habitat Orchards Underground
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia Africa
Conservation Least Concern Extinct

Mediterranean Scoliid Wasp

A black hairy wasp with two prominent yellow abdominal spots common across Mediterranean regions. It parasitizes rose chafer and other scarab beetle larvae.

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Did You Know?

Ancient Greek naturalists were among the first to document this species and its habit of visiting thistle flowers.

Saint Helena Earwig

Was the worlds largest earwig at 78 mm. Endemic to Saint Helena island. Not seen since 1967 and declared extinct in 2014 due to habitat destruction and invasive species.

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Did You Know?

The Saint Helena giant earwig — the worlds largest earwig at 78 mm — went extinct without most people knowing it existed. It was last seen alive in 1967.