Common Earwig

Found in temperate climates, typically in dark, damp environments such as under rocks, logs, mulch, and in garden crevices.

Omnivorous; feeds on a variety of organic matter including decaying plant material, moss, lichens, and smaller insects like aphids.

Nocturnal and thigmotactic (prefers tight spaces). Known for maternal care of eggs and nymphs. Undergoes hemimetabolous metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).

Generally beneficial as decomposers and predators of pests like aphids. They can occasionally damage garden plants or fruit. They do not transmit diseases and their pincers are rarely strong enough to break human skin.