Tawny Earwig vs African Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tawny Earwig African Earwig
Scientific Name Labidura truncata Forficula senegalensis
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Labiduridae Forficulidae
Size 20-30 mm 10-16 mm
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Detritivores
Regions Oceania East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tawny Earwig

A large Australian earwig with a tawny coloration and powerful forceps. It is a common garden species across much of Australia.

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Did You Know?

Tawny earwigs are beneficial garden predators that consume large numbers of caterpillars and other pest insects.

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.

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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.