Tawny Earwig vs Dung-loving Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tawny Earwig Dung-loving Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Labidura truncata Philonthus marginatus
Order Dermaptera Coleoptera
Family Labiduridae Staphylinidae
Size 20-30 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Herbivores Dung Feeders
Regions Oceania Europe, North Africa, introduced to Australasia
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.

Dung-loving Rove Beetle

A medium-sized, shiny black rove beetle with distinctly margined elytra found commonly in dung and compost. It is one of the most frequently encountered Philonthus species in pastoral landscapes.

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Did You Know?

This beetle has been introduced to New Zealand as a biological control agent against pastoral dung flies.