Earwigs
ExploreInsects
Earwigs
Dermaptera
Earwigs are small insects with pincers on their tails. They like to hide in dark, damp places and are often found in gardens. They are harmless and help keep gardens healthy by eating dead plants and pests.
Habitat: Gardens
Appearance
The Earwigs has a flattened, elongated body, typically reddish-brown to dark brown. Its most distinctive feature is a pair of prominent, pincer-like appendages called cerci at its rear, which vary in shape between sexes and species.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDermapteraFamilyForficulidae
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby earwigs, called nymphs, look just like tiny adults but without fully developed wings!
Despite their name, earwigs do not try to crawl into human ears!
Mother earwigs meticulously clean their eggs to prevent fungus from growing on them.
Some earwigs can spray a foul-smelling liquid to scare away hungry predators.
Special abilities
Ability
Pincer Power
Earwigs has strong pincer-like cerci that help them defend against predators and even catch small prey.
Ability
Stealth Squish
Earwigs has a flattened body that helps them squeeze into tiny cracks and under objects to hide or find food.
Ability
Maternal Mama
Earwigs can guard their eggs and young nymphs, protecting them from dangers, a rare trait for insects.
Ability
Folded Flyers
Earwigs has intricately folded fan-shaped wings that helps them achieve flight, despite their short wing covers.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 10-50 mm
- Size
- 5-50 mm
- Lifespan
- 180-365 days
- Flight Speed
- 5 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Earwigs are omnivores, munching on decaying plants, small insects, and some fresh greens.
Primary Foods
- Decaying plant matter
- Aphids
- Mites
- Small larvae
- Moss
- Soft fruits
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
A common bird that hunts and eats earwigs.
eaten by
European garden spider
Araneus diadematus
Spiders catch earwigs in their webs or ambush them.
hunts
Cotton aphid
Aphis gossypii
Earwigs actively hunt and feed on various aphid species.
eaten by
European Hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
Nocturnal hedgehogs frequently forage for earwigs as food.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Earwigs are not dangerous, but it's best to observe them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Earwigs's wingspan?
10-50 mm
How big is Earwigs?
5-50 mm
How long does Earwigs live?
180-365 days
How fast can Earwigs fly?
5 km/h
What does Earwigs eat?
Earwigs are omnivores, munching on decaying plants, small insects, and some fresh greens.
Where is Earwigs usually found?
Gardens
How does Earwigs hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Earwigs have?
6
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