Bug Identifier
Earwig (likely a young earwig)
Community identification

Earwig (likely a young earwig)

Order Dermaptera; exact species cannot be confirmed from the image

Order & Family
Dermaptera; likely family Anisolabididae or Forficulidae
Size
About 5–25 mm long, depending on species and life stage.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Moist, dark refuges such as leaf litter, soil crevices, under bark, and areas around buildings; occasionally indoors.

Diet & Feeding

Mostly omnivorous, eating decaying plant material, fungi, small insects, and other organic matter; some species nibble garden plants.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and secretive, hiding during the day. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with juveniles resembling smaller, wingless adults and often using forceps-like cerci for defense or mating.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to people and not venomous; they do not infest human bodies. They help decompose organic matter and may consume aphids, though some species can damage seedlings, flowers, or soft fruit.