Toothed Earwig vs Termite-Nest Silverfish

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Toothed Earwig Termite-Nest Silverfish
Scientific Name Spongovostox ghilianii Atelura formicaria
Order Dermaptera Zygentoma
Family Forficulidae Nicoletiidae
Size 15-25 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe Europe
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.

Termite-Nest Silverfish

A small, blind, unpigmented silverfish that lives exclusively inside ant nests. It has evolved chemical mimicry to avoid detection and is tolerated by its ant hosts.

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Did You Know?

This silverfish steals food directly from the mouths of ants by mimicking the chemical signals ants use to request food sharing.