Earwig Facts & Information

What do earwigs look like?

Earwigs are small to medium-sized insects, typically 0.5 to 1 inch long. They have elongated, flattened bodies that are usually dark brown or black. Their most distinctive feature is the pair of pincers (forceps) at the end of their abdomen, which are used for defense and capturing prey. They also have short wings, though most species rarely fly.

What do earwigs eat?

Earwigs are omnivorous and feed on a variety of plant material, including decaying leaves, flowers, and fruits. They also prey on smaller insects, such as aphids, mites, and larvae, which makes them both garden pests and helpful in controlling other insect populations.

What sort of habitat do earwigs live in?

Earwigs prefer dark, moist environments and are often found in gardens, under rocks, logs, mulch, or in cracks and crevices around homes. During the day, they hide in these damp, sheltered locations and become more active at night when they forage for food.

How do earwigs commonly behave?

Earwigs are nocturnal insects that prefer to stay hidden during the day. Though they have pincers, they are not aggressive toward humans, and their pincers are primarily used for defense or capturing prey. Earwigs are social insects and can often be found in groups, particularly in moist areas where food is plentiful.

Did you know this about earwigs?

Despite popular myths, earwigs do not crawl into human ears to lay eggs. This is an old wives’ tale with no basis in fact! Interestingly, female earwigs are quite maternal, and after laying eggs, they stay with their young to protect and care for them until they are mature enough to survive on their own. This level of parental care is unusual for insects.