Toothed Earwig vs Sculpted Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Toothed Earwig Sculpted Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Spongovostox ghilianii Anotylus sculpturatus
Order Dermaptera Coleoptera
Family Forficulidae Staphylinidae
Size 15-25 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Forests Gardens
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia, introduced globally
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Toothed Earwig

A large earwig with heavily toothed forceps found in southern European forests.

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Did You Know?

Its forceps bear multiple teeth along the inner edge for gripping prey.

Sculpted Rove Beetle

A small, stout oxytelline rove beetle with deeply sculptured integument and a distinctively broad, flat body. It is a very common species in agricultural and garden compost across Europe.

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Did You Know?

Enormous swarms of this beetle sometimes emerge from compost heaps and can be seen flying in dense clouds at dusk.