Small Earwig vs Saint Helena Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Earwig | Saint Helena Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apterygida media | Labidura herculeana |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Labiduridae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 78 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Underground |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Extinct |
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.
Saint Helena Earwig
Was the worlds largest earwig at 78 mm. Endemic to Saint Helena island. Not seen since 1967 and declared extinct in 2014 due to habitat destruction and invasive species.
Did You Know?
The Saint Helena giant earwig — the worlds largest earwig at 78 mm — went extinct without most people knowing it existed. It was last seen alive in 1967.