Saint Helena Earwig vs Oriental Rat Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Saint Helena Earwig | Oriental Rat Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Labidura herculeana | Xenopsylla cheopis |
| Order | Dermaptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Labiduridae | Pulicidae |
| Size | 78 mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Africa | Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide |
| Conservation | Extinct | Least Concern |
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.
Oriental Rat Flea
The primary vector of bubonic plague, responsible for transmitting the bacterium Yersinia pestis between rats and humans. It is a small, dark brown flea found on rodents.
Did You Know?
This flea species was responsible for transmitting the Black Death, which killed an estimated one-third of Europe's population.