European Earwig

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark areas including under rocks, logs, garden mulch, and occasionally indoors in basements or bathrooms.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; feeds on a variety of organic matter including decaying plants, flowers, soft-bodied insects like aphids, and occasionally crops.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal insects that use the pincers (cerci) for defense and mating. Females exhibit maternal care, protecting eggs and young nymphs.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans; they do not transmit disease but can deliver a small pinch if handled. They are minor garden pests but beneficial as predators of other garden pests like aphids.

Identified on: 4/23/2026