Striped Earwig vs African Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Striped Earwig | African Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Labidura riparia | Forficula senegalensis |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Labiduridae | Forficulidae |
| Size | 16-26 mm | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Striped Earwig
A large, pale sandy-brown earwig with dark longitudinal stripes, commonly found near water. It is one of the most widespread earwig species globally.
Did You Know?
Striped earwigs are strong fliers and are frequently attracted to lights at night, unlike most earwig species.
African Earwig
A small, dark brown earwig with distinctive curved cerci (pincers) at the tip of the abdomen. It is nocturnal and hides in dark crevices during the day.
Did You Know?
Mother earwigs exhibit remarkable maternal care, guarding their eggs and cleaning them to prevent fungal infection, then protecting the nymphs after hatching.