Earwigs, with their distinctive pincers and nocturnal habits, are often misunderstood creatures that spark curiosity and sometimes fear.
These insects belong to the order Dermaptera and can be found in various environments around the world.
There are several types of earwigs, including the European earwig, striped earwig, red-legged earwig, and maritime earwig, each with unique characteristics and habitat preferences.
While many people recognize the common European earwig found throughout North America and Europe, fewer are familiar with specialized species like the Saint Helena earwig, once native to an Atlantic island, or the ring-legged earwig that can appear in large numbers in gardens.
Understanding the different types of earwigs helps homeowners identify potential garden visitors and dispels myths about these mostly harmless insects.
European Earwig (Forficula auricularia)
The European earwig is also known as the common earwig and is the most widespread earwig species in the United States. These small insects typically measure between 0.5 to 0.75 inches in length.
One distinctive feature of the European earwig is the pair of forceps-like pincers (cerci) at the end of its abdomen. Males have curved pincers while females have straighter ones.
The name “earwig” comes from the unique appearance of their hindwings, which resemble human ears when unfolded. The species name “auricularia” specifically references this characteristic.
These nocturnal insects are omnivorous scavengers, constantly searching for food in cool, moist environments. They eat both plant material and other insects.
Habitat Preferences:
- Cool, damp areas
- Garden mulch and debris
- Under rocks and logs
- Cracks around basement windows
- Door frames near ground level
Though European earwigs have wings, they rarely fly. Instead, they crawl into homes through small cracks and crevices, especially during fall when seeking shelter.
In Pennsylvania and many other states, the European earwig is considered the most prevalent earwig pest species. During autumn, they may gather in large numbers on trees and building exteriors as they look for protected areas.
Despite their intimidating appearance, European earwigs are generally harmless to humans. They don’t spread diseases, though they can become a nuisance when they enter homes in large numbers.
Lesser Earwig (Labia minor)
The Lesser Earwig is one of the smallest earwig species, typically measuring only 4-7mm in length. Unlike its larger relatives, this tiny insect has a reddish-brown body and fully developed wings that it uses for flight.
This species is widespread throughout temperate regions around the world. In North America, records date back to 1838, though scientists debate whether it’s native or was introduced early in history.
Lesser Earwigs have notable cold tolerance. They range further north than any other earwig species, reaching into British Columbia and Quebec in Canada.
Habitat Preferences:
- Compost heaps
- Manure piles
- Decaying organic matter
Unlike the Common Earwig, the Lesser Earwig is rarely found in gardens and is much less frequently encountered, particularly in Scotland and Ireland. Its small size and specific habitat preferences make it less visible to casual observers.
Despite generating reactions of disgust from many people, earwigs are unloved but fascinating insects. The Lesser Earwig shares the distinctive forceps-like cerci at the rear end that all earwigs possess, though smaller than those of the Common Earwig.
Some insect enthusiasts do keep these creatures in captivity, as they can be interesting additions to invertebrate collections. Their small size makes them less intimidating than larger earwig species.
Ring-Legged Earwig (Euborellia annulipes)
The Ring-legged Earwig is a distinctive insect with a dark brown body measuring between 10-25 mm in length. Unlike some earwig species, it is completely wingless.
These earwigs have pale brown legs with noticeable dark bands around the middle of the femur or tibia, which gives them their common name. Their antennae typically have sixteen segments.
Female Ring-legged Earwigs are larger than males, following the common pattern among earwig species. Interestingly, about 75% of nymphs develop into females.
Habitat and Behavior:
- Found outdoors in gardens and fields
- Occasionally enter homes
- Available year-round except winter (when they go underground)
- Show maternal care during egg phase
The maternal care displayed by Ring-legged Earwigs is notable but gradually decreases during the nymph stage. Once reaching adulthood, these earwigs begin mating very quickly—often within just a day or two.
Ring-legged Earwigs might be confused with other species like the riparian earwig (Labidura riparia), but their distinctive leg bands make identification relatively straightforward.
Their population density can change following environmental factors. Studies have documented density changes in these earwigs following fire ant reduction in certain areas.
Striped Earwig (Labidura riparia)
The Striped Earwig is easily identified by its light tan body and two dark longitudinal stripes running down the pronotum. These distinctive markings give this insect its common name.
Also known as the shore earwig, tawny earwig, or riparian earwig, Labidura riparia belongs to the family Labiduridae. Like other earwigs, it has modified cerci that form forceps at the rear of its body.
This beneficial insect is found worldwide, particularly in tropical to subtropical climates. The Striped Earwig thrives in agricultural and garden settings where it serves as a natural pest controller.
Physical Characteristics:
- Light brown body color
- Distinctive dorsal stripes
- Forceps-like cerci
- At least 25 antenna segments (more than other earwig species)
The Striped Earwig is primarily predatory, making it a gardener’s ally. It actively hunts and feeds on common agricultural pests, providing natural pest management in gardens and farms.
One fascinating feature of the Striped Earwig is that males possess two penises, though they typically use only one (usually the right one) during mating. This unusual characteristic has been studied by scientists researching earwig reproduction.
These nocturnal hunters are most active at night, patrolling gardens and agricultural areas for pests. They serve as natural bodyguards for plants, helping to maintain ecological balance in their habitats.
Black Earwig (Chelisoches morio)
The Black Earwig, or Chelisoches morio, is a distinctive insect known for its jet-black coloration. Adults typically measure between 18-25mm, though some specimens have grown up to 36mm (1.5 inches) in length.
These earwigs feature long, beaded antennae and the characteristic pincers or forceps at their hind end. Their tarsi (feet) and one or two antennae segments are often lighter in color, creating a noticeable contrast in living specimens.
Unlike some earwig species, the Black Earwig is fully winged and can fly quite effectively. They can unfold their wings rapidly when needed for escape or travel.
Habitat & Distribution:
- Most prominent in tropical areas
- Common in Pacific islands
- Found in the Pacific Northwest
- Prefers damp environments
This species is omnivorous and can be found worldwide, though it thrives particularly in humid conditions. In Hawaii, it’s one of the most common earwig species, preferring the wetter areas of the islands.
Black earwigs are active throughout the day, not just at night like some other earwig species. They can often be seen running over leaves in search of food.
Their widespread presence across different Pacific locations suggests they originated in the Orient before spreading to other regions.
Maritime Earwig (Anisolabis maritima)
The Maritime Earwig, also known as the seaside earwig, is a species belonging to the family Anisolabididae. This earwig has spread worldwide and can be found in almost all biogeographic realms.
Scientists believe that Maritime Earwigs originally came from Asia, though they’ve now established themselves globally. They prefer coastal habitats, living close to shorelines where they can find suitable shelter.
Unlike many insects, the Maritime Earwig displays a darker black coloration across its entire back, which helps distinguish it from similar species like the seashore earwig that shows lighter brown areas. Their bodies are adapted for the beach environment.
Reproductive Behavior:
- Females lay eggs under driftwood or bark pieces on sand
- They guard their egg burrows from predators
- After hatching, mothers feed and care for their young until maturity
The name “maritima” literally translates to “of or belonging to the sea”, which perfectly describes their habitat preference. These earwigs thrive in the unique conditions of coastal zones.
Though less commonly kept as pets compared to other invertebrates, some enthusiasts do maintain Maritime Earwigs in captivity. Their care requirements reflect their natural seaside environment.
Seaside Earwig (Anisolabis littorea)
The Seashore earwig (Anisolabis littorea) is a fascinating insect native to coastal regions. In Māori culture, this creature is known as “mata.”
This species is primarily endemic to New Zealand, though some research suggests it may also inhabit parts of Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania.
Like other earwig species, the Seashore earwig has distinctive features that help with identification:
- Size: Medium-sized earwig
- Color: Dark brown to black
- Notable feature: Forceps-like pincers at rear of body
- Habitat: Coastal areas, particularly under driftwood and debris
Female Seashore earwigs show remarkable maternal behavior. They create burrows under driftwood or bark where they lay their eggs. These dedicated mothers guard their eggs until they hatch and continue caring for their young afterward.
These earwigs are primarily nocturnal, preferring to hunt and feed during nighttime hours. During daylight, they seek shelter in cool, moist locations to avoid predators and harsh conditions.
Though similar to the Maritime Earwig (Anisolabis maritima), the Seashore earwig has specific adaptations that help it thrive in its coastal environment. These adaptations include salt tolerance and specialized hunting techniques.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Seashore earwigs play important roles in their ecosystems as both predators of smaller insects and as food for larger animals.
Red-Legged Earwig (Euborellia annulipes)
The Red-Legged Earwig is a common species found primarily in the southern parts of the United States, with a particularly strong presence in Florida. These insects get their name from their distinctive reddish legs, which set them apart from other earwig varieties.
Unlike some earwig species, the Red-Legged Earwig (sometimes referred to as Euborellia annulipes rather than Prolabia pulchella) has adapted to the warm climate of southern regions. They can be identified by examining their legs closely for their signature reddish coloration.
These earwigs are part of the diverse earwig population in North America, which includes approximately 18 different species. They share the southern United States habitat with other varieties like the striped earwig (Labidura bidens) and the handsome earwig.
Physical Characteristics:
- Distinctive red legs
- Dark body coloration
- Pincers (forceps) at rear end
- No wings in most specimens
Red-Legged earwigs are omnivorous, feeding on both plant material and smaller insects. Their diet makes them both beneficial as they consume pest insects, but potentially problematic when they damage garden plants.
Like most earwigs, they prefer dark, moist environments and are typically active at night. During daytime hours, they seek shelter under rocks, logs, or in other protected spaces to avoid light and predators.
Saint Helena Giant Earwig (Labidura herculeana)
The Saint Helena earwig was once the world’s largest known earwig species, growing up to an impressive 8 cm in length. This remarkable insect was first discovered and named by Danish entomologist Johan Christian Fabricius in 1798.
Endemic to the remote island of St. Helena, located about 2,000 km from the African coast, this giant earwig existed nowhere else on Earth. The species belonged to the genus Labidura, showing similarities to the more common shore earwig (Labidura riparia).
Taxonomic History:
- First described in 1798 as Labidura herculeana
- Later confused with the smaller shore earwig
- Demoted to a subspecies in 1904
- Rediscovered as a distinct species in 1962
The Giant Earwig of St. Helena faced a complicated scientific history, receiving little attention for decades. After its rediscovery in 1962, scientists found only two specimens, highlighting its rarity.
Unfortunately, habitat destruction and introduced predators led to its decline. After years without sightings despite extensive searches, the St. Helena Giant Earwig was officially declared extinct in August 2014.
This extinction represents a significant loss to the unique biodiversity of St. Helena. In 2014, the earwig returned to St. Helena after 56 years—but only as preserved specimens, serving as a reminder of what has been lost.
Tawny Earwig (Labidura truncata)
The Tawny Earwig, scientifically known as Labidura truncata, is a large native earwig found across southern Australia. These beneficial insects range from 10 to 45 mm in length and display a distinctive red-brown coloration.
One of the most recognizable features of the Tawny Earwig is the orange triangle located behind its head on the pronotum. This marking helps distinguish it from other earwig species.
Unlike some pest earwig species, Labidura truncata is considered beneficial in agricultural settings. These predatory insects primarily feed on:
- Soft-bodied caterpillars (both larger and smaller than themselves)
- Lucerne flea
- Mites
- Other soft-bodied insects
The Tawny Earwig has an interesting hunting technique. It grabs caterpillars with its pincers and holds them firmly while feeding, making it an effective predator.
Farmers appreciate these earwigs as they have been observed attacking codling moth larvae, a significant pest that damages fruit crops like apples, peaches, and pears.
These earwigs prefer sandy habitats but can be found throughout southern Australia. Like most earwigs, they seek dark, sheltered environments and are commonly found under rocks.
The Common brown earwig, as it’s sometimes called, may also feed on other earwigs when food is scarce, showing its adaptable nature as a predator.
