
Community identification
European Earwig
Forficula auricularia
- Order & Family
- Dermaptera, Forficulidae
- Size
- 12–15 mm
Natural Habitat
Dark, moist areas such as under rocks, logs, mulch, and in garden debris; occasionally indoors.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; feeds on a variety of plants, flowers, organic debris, and small insects like aphids.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal scavengers that use their cerci (pincers) for defense and mating; females provide maternal care to eggs and nymphs.
Risks & Benefits
Potential minor garden pest to flowers and crops, but beneficial as they consume aphids and mites; harmless to humans despite pincers.