Pygmy Earwig vs Shore Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pygmy Earwig Shore Earwig
Scientific Name Diplatys flavicollis Anisolabis littorea
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Diplatyidae Anisolabididae
Size 6-10 mm 20-28 mm
Habitat Woodlands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions Africa, Asia Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pygmy Earwig

A tiny tropical earwig with regenerative cerci that can regrow if broken.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most earwigs its cerci are segmented and can regenerate after autotomy.

Shore Earwig

A large wingless earwig native to New Zealand, found under stones and driftwood on rocky coasts. It has a shiny black body and stout cerci.

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Did You Know?

This earwig is highly adapted to coastal life and can survive being submerged by waves during high tide.