How to identify earwigs
- Earwigs are about 5/8 inch long, with a flat, reddish brown body and very short wings.
- They have medium length antennae and chewing mouthparts.
- They have a pair of strong pinchers (cerci) on the tip of their abdomen.
- Males have stout, strongly curved cerci that are widely separated at the base.
- Females possess slender, straight pinchers that are close together.
Earwigs use their pinchers to protect themselves and to grab and hold prey.
- Nymphs are similar to adults but are smaller.
- Immature earwigs have slender, straight cerci.
- Young earwigs are generally lighter in color than adults.
Behavior and habits of earwigs
What they eat
Earwigs can be found under potted plants, leaves, welcome mats and other objects. They are also seen in cracks between pavers, bricks and similar places.
- You can also find them on plants in buds and folded leaves.
- Earwigs are scavengers feeding on damaged and decaying plant matter.
- They can feed on weakened or dead insects and other small organisms.
- Earwigs can also feed on healthy plant material.
Life cycle of earwigs
Earwigs mate in the fall and males and females usually spend the winter together in specially constructed nests. In early spring, females force the males out and then lay eggs.
- Female earwigs are very maternal, which is unusual for insects.
- They guard and protect their eggs and newly hatched young.
- Eggs hatch in about a week.
- Earwig nymphs emerge from nests sometime from late May to early June.
- They mature into adults in late June or early July and are active through fall.
