Sexton Beetle vs Australian Giant Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sexton Beetle Australian Giant Earwig
Scientific Name Nicrophorus vespilloides Titanolabis colossea
Order Coleoptera Dermaptera
Family Silphidae Anisolabididae
Size 12-18 mm 40-50 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Carrion Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sexton Beetle

A black and orange carrion beetle that buries small animal carcasses as food for its larvae. Both parents care for the brood.

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Did You Know?

Parents feed their larvae by regurgitating pre-digested carrion, similar to bird feeding behavior.

Australian Giant Earwig

The largest living earwig species, reaching up to 50 mm long. It is a burrowing, wingless species found in eastern Australia.

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Did You Know?

This enormous earwig can deliver a painful pinch with its massive forceps if handled carelessly.