Earwig

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark places such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, mulch, flowers, or in crevices. They often enter homes in search of shelter or food.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous. They feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, plants (leaves, flowers, fruits), and small insects (aphids, mites, insect larvae) and eggs.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal; active at night. They are known for their pincers (forceps) at the rear of their abdomen, used for defense, apprehending prey, and folding their wings. Females are known to exhibit maternal care, guarding their eggs and nymphs.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: Can cause minor damage to garden plants, fruits, and vegetables. Though their pincers can pinch, it's rarely painful or breaks the skin. The myth that they crawl into people's ears is largely unfounded. Potential benefits: They can be beneficial predators of small garden pests like aphids and mites, helping to control pest populations.

Identified on: 9/21/2025