Bug Identifier
Earwig (likely a small earwig)
Community identification

Earwig (likely a small earwig)

Dermaptera; species uncertain from the image

Order & Family
Order Dermaptera; family likely Forficulidae
Size
About 5–15 mm long, excluding antennae.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Moist, sheltered places such as leaf litter, soil crevices, and beneath stones or bark.

Diet & Feeding

Mostly feeds on decaying plant material and small insects; some species also damage soft garden plants.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and secretive, with forceps-like pincers at the abdomen tip. Females often guard eggs and young in underground nests.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to people; generally useful scavengers and predators, though abundant earwigs may nibble seedlings, flowers, or fruit.