Earwig Or Silverfish: Identification Made Easy

Size is one common bodily feature that will often confuse you and make you wonder whether it is an earwig or silverfish. However, there are a couple of other features that can be used to differentiate these insects.

Besides their bodily features, there are other things that can be used to differentiate these bugs. They are their preferences.

I have made differentiating these insects very easy in this informative article.

 

Earwig or Silverfish (Tabular Differences)

 

Earwig Or Silverfish Differences
Earwig		Silverfish
S/N	Appearance of Earwig or Silverfish
1.	The bodies of earwigs are usually brown to black in color. You will find that some species have stripes on their heads and legs.	The silverfish is known for its shiny silver-gray body coloration.
2.	Earwigs measure about 5 to 50 mm in body length.	The silverfish measures about 13 to 25 mm in body length.
3.	Earwigs have wings, so it is safe to say that some earwig species can fly.	No species of silverfish has wings; hence, none is capable of flying.
4.	The earwig has 2 appendages that look like pincers (but are not). These appendages extend from the backend of its abdomen.	Silverfish have 3 appendages that are often confused for tails or antennae.
Habitat of Earwig or Silverfish
Earwigs are nocturnal insects and mostly prefer to live outdoors, where you will find them in the following places: Under tree barks. Under decomposing wood. Mulch Under rocks Grass Lawn clippings Underside of flagstones, etc. Peradventure, they wander indoors; you may find them in the following places: Bathroom Crawlspace Basement, etc.		The silverfish prefers to stay indoors, where it is closer to its food sources than outdoors. Bookshelves Pantries Attics Basements Kitchens Bathrooms, etc. When outdoors, you can find these insects in the following places: Leaf mold Under rocks Tree barks, etc.
Diet of Earwig or Silverfish
Earwigs will feed on the following food sources: Live plants Decaying plants Insects (weakened, dead, small)		Silverfish love to feed on protein- and starch-containing food sources that include the following: Books Glue Grain Vegetable Fiber Sugar Fabric, etc.

 

Read also: Bugs That Look Like Earwigs

 

FAQS About Earwig or Silverfish

Are Earwigs the Same as Silverfish?

No, earwigs are not the same as silverfish, as there are diverse body features that distinguish these insects apart. From their body colorations to their size, appendages, and preferences, you can definitely tell them apart.

 

Conclusion

If you could not identify the earwig or silverfish or even tell them apart, then this article is definitely for you, as I succeeded in breaking down the differences between these two distinct bugs.

The silverfish or earwig may look similar in terms of body size, but there are still a variety of body characteristics that can be used to tell them apart.

Can you now tell the differences between these two insects? Tell us your answer via the comments section provided below! And do not forget that we are always ready to answer whatever topic-related questions you may have as well.

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