Saint Helena Earwig vs Striped Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Saint Helena Earwig Striped Earwig
Scientific Name Labidura herculeana Labidura riparia
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Labiduridae Labiduridae
Size 78 mm 16-26 mm
Habitat Underground Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Africa Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, 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.

Striped Earwig

A large, pale sandy-brown earwig with dark longitudinal stripes, commonly found near water. It is one of the most widespread earwig species globally.

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Did You Know?

Striped earwigs are strong fliers and are frequently attracted to lights at night, unlike most earwig species.