Earwig

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark, and cool places, often found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, in gardens, and sometimes indoors in basements or bathrooms.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers. They primarily feed on decaying plant matter, fungi, and small insects (aphids, mites, insect larvae). They can also consume soft fruits and flowers.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, hiding during the day and becoming active at night to forage. They are known for their distinctive cerci (pincers) at the end of their abdomen, which are used for defense, hunting, and folding their wings. Females show maternal care, guarding their eggs and young nymphs.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include being considered a nuisance pest when found indoors or damaging garden plants (flowers, fruits, vegetables) in large numbers. They are generally harmless to humans, though their pincers can give a minor, harmless pinch if handled. Benefits include their role as predators of other garden pests like aphids and mites, contributing to natural pest control in gardens.

Identified on: 9/22/2025