Common Earwig
Forficula auricularia
Common earwigs are nocturnal insects found in gardens, hedgerows, leaf litter, bark crevices, and other cool, damp shelters. They are omnivores, eating decaying plant material, fruit, fungi, aphids, mites, and other small invertebrates. Adults use their rear forceps for defense, courtship, folding wings, and pushing rivals, though they are not dangerous to people. A notable feature is their neatly folded hind wings, which allow flight but are usually kept hidden beneath short forewings.
- Type
- Shell
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- Common Earwig Nymph
- Common Earwig