Earwig

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark places such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, mulch, and decaying vegetation. They can also be found indoors in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous. They feed on decaying organic matter, molds, fungi, soft-bodied insects (aphids, mites), insect larvae, and sometimes plant material (flowers, leaves, fruits).

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, hiding during the day and becoming active at night. They are known for their prominent cerci (pincers) at the end of their abdomen, which are used for defense, hunting, and mating. Females exhibit maternal care, guarding their eggs and nymphs.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered harmless to humans, though their pincers can give a minor, harmless pinch if handled. They are sometimes considered pests in gardens as they can damage plants, but they also provide benefits by preying on other garden pests like aphids and slugs. They are not known to spread diseases.

Identified on: 9/23/2025