Saint Helena Earwig vs Bat Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Saint Helena Earwig | Bat Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Labidura herculeana | Arixenia esau |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Labiduridae | Arixeniidae |
| Size | 78 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Caves |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Africa | Southeast Asia, Borneo, Philippines |
| Conservation | Extinct | Data Deficient |
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.
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.
Bat Earwig
A remarkable wingless earwig that lives exclusively in bat caves, clinging to the bodies and roosting areas of naked bulldog bats. It has reduced eyes and modified forceps.
Did You Know?
Arixeniidae and Hemimeridae are the only earwig families that are viviparous, giving birth to live young.