About Saint Helena Earwig
Was the worlds largest earwig at 78 mm. Endemic to Saint Helena island. Not seen since 1967 and declared extinct in 2014 due to habitat destruction and invasive species.
Did You Know?
The Saint Helena giant earwig — the worlds largest earwig at 78 mm — went extinct without most people knowing it existed. It was last seen alive in 1967.
How to Identify Saint Helena Earwig
Saint Helena Earwig (Labidura herculeana) belongs to the order Dermaptera, family Labiduridae. Adults typically measure 78 mm.
Saint Helena Earwig Habitat
Saint Helena Earwig is found in underground habitats, particularly across Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Saint Helena Earwig Diet and Feeding
Saint Helena Earwig has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Saint Helena Earwig Found?
Saint Helena Earwig can be found in Africa, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Saint Helena Earwig can be found
Is Saint Helena Earwig Dangerous?
Saint Helena Earwig is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Saint Helena Earwig Role in Nature
Saint Helena Earwig plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Saint Helena Earwig are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Helena Earwig
What does Saint Helena Earwig look like?
The Saint Helena Earwig typically measures 78 mm.
Where is Saint Helena Earwig found?
The Saint Helena Earwig is found in Africa and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Saint Helena Earwig eat?
The Saint Helena Earwig has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Saint Helena Earwig dangerous to humans?
The Saint Helena Earwig is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Saint Helena Earwig endangered?
The Saint Helena Earwig is currently classified as Extinct by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Saint Helena Earwig?
The Saint Helena giant earwig — the worlds largest earwig at 78 mm — went extinct without most people knowing it existed. It was last seen alive in 1967.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Saint Helena Earwig (Labidura herculeana). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/saint-helena-earwig
MLA:
"Saint Helena Earwig." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/saint-helena-earwig.