Anisolabis littorea (Māori: mata), commonly known as the seashore earwig, is a species of earwig in the family Anisolabididae. This species is said to be endemic to New Zealand but other publications state the species is also found in New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania.
Taxonomy
The species was first described in 1846 by Adam White and originally named Forficula littorea. The type specimen of this species is held at the Natural History Museum, London.
Description White in his original description of the species described it as follows:
This species has a blackish-brown body about 35mm long, with brown-yellow legs. It has two light brown spots on its head, close to the inside of each eye. Its abdomen is widest at the seventh segment. It is flightless.
Distribution This species is said to be endemic to New Zealand. However other publications state that the species is also found in New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania.
Habitat and ecology Similar both ecologically and taxonomically to the maritime earwig, this species is commonly found on beaches under stones and debris. It is a carnivore, feeding on millipedes, flies, and isopods such as woodlice. Like most other earwigs, the females care for their young during development, and the larva go through five instars before becoming adults.
Behaviour The species also has a negative phototaxis, meaning that it tends to move away from a light source.
References
External links Anisolabis littorea discussed on RNZ Critter of the Week, 26 May 2023