Striped Earwig vs Small Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Striped Earwig Small Earwig
Scientific Name Labidura riparia Apterygida media
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Labiduridae Forficulidae
Size 16-26 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania Europe
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.

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.