Forficula
ExploreInsects
Forficula
forficula
Forficula, commonly known as the earwig, has a unique pair of pincers on its tail that help it defend itself. These little creatures often come out at night and can be found hiding under rocks and leaves during the day!
Habitat: Earwigs typically live in moist environments such as gardens, forests, and under decaying wood.
Appearance
The Forficula has a flattened, reddish-brown body with short, leathery forewings. Its most distinctive feature is the pair of prominent, pincer-like appendages (cerci) at its rear, which differ in shape between males and females.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDermapteraFamilyForficulidaeGenusForficula
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite their name, earwigs do not crawl into people's ears to lay eggs – that's a common myth!
Earwigs are nocturnal, meaning they mostly hunt and forage for food while you are usually sleeping!
Some earwig species can squirt foul-smelling liquid from their bodies to deter hungry attackers!
Their scientific name, Forficula, literally means 'little scissors,' named after their unique rear pincers!
Special abilities
Ability
Wing Wizardry
Forficula can fold its large, delicate hindwings into a tiny, compact space under short forewings for protection.
Ability
Mama Bear Mode
Forficula mothers diligently guard and clean their eggs, a rare form of parental care among insects.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 10-14 mm
- Lifespan
- 250-365 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Forficula is an omnivore, munching on decaying plants, tiny insects, and sometimes fresh leaves.
Primary Foods
- decaying leaves
- aphids
- soft fruits
- fungi
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
A common meal for hungry backyard birds.
eats
Cotton Aphid
Aphis gossypii
Helps gardeners by munching on these tiny pests.
eaten by
House Mouse
Mus musculus
Sometimes hunted by small mammals seeking a snack.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
earwigpincer bugpincher bug
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Earwigs are harmless, but it’s best to observe them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Forficula?
10-14 mm
How long does Forficula live?
250-365 days
What does Forficula eat?
Forficula is an omnivore, munching on decaying plants, tiny insects, and sometimes fresh leaves.
Where is Forficula usually found?
Earwigs typically live in moist environments such as gardens, forests, and under decaying wood.
How does Forficula hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Forficula have?
6
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