Saint Helena Earwig vs Shore Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Saint Helena Earwig Shore Earwig
Scientific Name Labidura herculeana Anisolabis littorea
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Labiduridae Anisolabididae
Size 78 mm 20-28 mm
Habitat Underground Beaches & Coastal
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Africa Oceania
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.

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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.

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.