
Common Earwig
Forficula auricularia
- Order & Family
- Dermaptera: Forficulidae
- Size
- 12 to 15 mm (0.5 to 0.6 inches)
Natural Habitat
Damp, dark areas such as under rocks, logs, mulch, and in garden debris; they often enter homes seeking moisture or shelter.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; they feed on a variety of organic matter including decaying plant material, small insects, aphids, mites, and sometimes living plant tissue like flower petals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal insects that are most active at night. They are known for their high level of maternal care, where the mother guards the eggs and young nymphs. They use their cerci (pincers) for defense and capturing prey.
Risks & Benefits
They are generally harmless to humans, though they can give a small pinch if handled. While they can be minor garden pests by eating seedlings or flowers, they also provide ecosystem benefits by preying on harmful pests like aphids and slugs.