Striped Earwig vs Black Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Striped Earwig Black Earwig
Scientific Name Labidura riparia Chelisoches morio
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Labiduridae Chelisochidae
Size 16-26 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Farmland
Diet Omnivores Fruit Feeders
Regions Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania Asia, Oceania
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.

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Did You Know?

Striped earwigs are strong fliers and are frequently attracted to lights at night, unlike most earwig species.

Black Earwig

A glossy black earwig with reddish legs commonly found in tropical regions. It is often associated with banana plantations and palm trees.

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Did You Know?

The black earwig has been spread throughout the tropics via the banana trade and is now pantropical in distribution.