Spongiphorinae

Members of Spongiphorinae are distinguished from other earwig subfamilies by their generally small body size. The subfamily can be separated from related groups within Spongiphoridae by genital and abdominal characters, though specific diagnostic features require detailed examination. The type genus Spongiphora is characterized by particular forceps morphology, though subfamily-level characters are less documented in general sources.

Genera within Spongiphorinae originate from the Americas, including the Caribbean region. The species Marava arachidis has a cosmopolitan distribution, having been transported worldwide through human activity. Distribution records for the subfamily as a whole remain incomplete.

Marava arachidis has a cosmopolitan distribution due to human-mediated dispersal, suggesting association with stored products or human dwellings. The common name "little earwigs" reflects their small size relative to other earwigs.

• ForficulinaeForficulinae is another subfamily within Forficuloidea but belongs to family Forficulidae rather than Spongiphoridae; members are generally larger and more robust than the "little earwigs" of Spongiphorinae.
• other Spongiphoridae subfamiliesSpongiphoridae contains additional subfamilies (e.g., Labidurinae) that differ in genital morphology and geographic distribution; Spongiphorinae is distinguished by particular abdominal and genitalic characteristics established by Verhoeff.

• earwigs
• Dermaptera
• little earwigs
• cosmopolitan species

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life