Shore Earwig vs Lesser Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Shore Earwig | Lesser Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anisolabis littorea | Labia minor |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Anisolabididae | Spongiphoridae |
| Size | 20-28 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania | Europe, North America, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
This earwig is highly adapted to coastal life and can survive being submerged by waves during high tide.
Lesser Earwig
The smallest European earwig and one of the few that readily flies. It is often found in compost heaps and manure piles where it feeds on fly larvae.
Did You Know?
Despite its tiny size, this earwig is one of the best fliers in the order and is regularly attracted to artificial lights.