Striped Earwig vs Spine-Tailed Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Striped Earwig Spine-Tailed Earwig
Scientific Name Labidura riparia Doru aculeatum
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Labiduridae Forficulidae
Size 16-26 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Farmland
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania North America
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.

Spine-Tailed Earwig

A slender earwig found in cornfields and grassy habitats across eastern North America. It shelters in the leaf whorls of corn and other tall grasses.

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Did You Know?

Farmers consider this earwig beneficial because it preys heavily on corn earworm eggs and aphids in crop fields.