Small Earwig vs Brazilian Cave Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Earwig Brazilian Cave Springtail
Scientific Name Apterygida media Trogolaphysa aelleni
Order Dermaptera Collembola
Family Forficulidae Paronellidae
Size 7-10 mm 1-2 mm
Habitat Woodlands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe Brazil
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Small Earwig

A small reddish-brown earwig found in woodland leaf litter across Europe. Males have strongly curved forceps while females have nearly straight ones.

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Did You Know?

The dramatic difference in forceps shape between males and females is one of the most pronounced sexual dimorphisms among earwigs.

Brazilian Cave Springtail

A troglomorphic springtail from caves in the Brazilian semiarid region. It has elongated appendages and reduced pigmentation.

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Did You Know?

Many Brazilian cave springtails are known from a single cave system each.