Small Earwig vs Japanese Mantidfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Earwig | Japanese Mantidfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apterygida media | Mantispa japonica |
| Order | Dermaptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Mantispidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 18-25 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Japan, Korea, Eastern China |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
The dramatic difference in forceps shape between males and females is one of the most pronounced sexual dimorphisms among earwigs.
Japanese Mantidfly
An East Asian mantidfly found in woodlands across Japan and Korea. Recognized by its amber-tinted wings and stout raptorial legs.
Did You Know?
In Japan it is called 'kamakiri-modoki' meaning 'mantis look-alike' due to its praying mantis resemblance.