Tawny Earwig vs Bat Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tawny Earwig Bat Earwig
Scientific Name Labidura truncata Arixenia esau
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Labiduridae Arixeniidae
Size 20-30 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Gardens Caves
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Oceania Southeast Asia, Borneo, Philippines
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

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.

Bat Earwig

A remarkable wingless earwig that lives exclusively in bat caves, clinging to the bodies and roosting areas of naked bulldog bats. It has reduced eyes and modified forceps.

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Did You Know?

Arixeniidae and Hemimeridae are the only earwig families that are viviparous, giving birth to live young.