Tropical Silverfish vs Bat Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tropical Silverfish | Bat Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nicoletia phytophila | Arixenia esau |
| Order | Zygentoma | Dermaptera |
| Family | Nicoletiidae | Arixeniidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Caves |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Central America, Caribbean | Southeast Asia, Borneo, Philippines |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Tropical Silverfish
A soil-dwelling silverfish found in tropical regions and occasionally in caves. It has a slender white body with very long cerci.
Did You Know?
It has been recorded from caves in Belize despite being primarily a soil species.
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.
Did You Know?
Arixeniidae and Hemimeridae are the only earwig families that are viviparous, giving birth to live young.