
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.
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.