
Community identification
Earwig
Forficula auricularia
- Order & Family
- Dermaptera: Forficulidae
- Size
- 5 to 25 mm (0.2 to 1.0 inch) depending on the species.
Natural Habitat
Damp, dark, and sheltered areas such as under rocks, mulch, logs, or in building crevices.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; they eat decaying plant matter, small insects, and occasionally garden plants.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal insects that are known for their pincers (cerci) used for defense and mating; they exhibit maternal care, which is rare in insects.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans; they may pinch if handled but are not venomous. They can be garden pests but also benefit the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter.