Small Earwig vs Margined Brown Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Earwig Margined Brown Lacewing
Scientific Name Apterygida media Hemerobius marginatus
Order Dermaptera Neuroptera
Family Forficulidae Hemerobiidae
Size 7-10 mm 8-12 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions Europe Europe
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.

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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.

Margined Brown Lacewing

A European brown lacewing with darkened wing margins found in deciduous woodland. Common but often overlooked due to its small size.

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Did You Know?

It is often found in old orchards where it helps suppress aphid populations on fruit trees.