Insect · GBIF taxon 1419845
European Earwig
Forficula auriculariaAlso known as Common Earwig
European earwigs are nocturnal scavengers best known for their pincer-like rear abdominal cerci, which males use in competitive jousting and courtship displays. Female earwigs exhibit remarkable maternal care, cleaning their eggs meticulously to prevent fungal growth and caring for newly hatched nymphs through their early instars. Despite their reputation as household pests, these omnivores play an effective role in gardens by consuming vast quantities of destructive aphids.
NocturnalOmnivorousGarden Insect
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aphids
- Plant Foliage
- Fungi
Predators
- Toads
- Birds
- Ground Beetles
ThreatsPesticides, habitat alteration
HabitatsGardens, woodlands, agricultural fields, human structures
Life span1–2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderDermaptera
- FamilyForficulidae
- GenusForficula
- SpeciesForficula auricularia
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; pincers are used defensively and rarely break human skin.
Responsible observation
- Garden Inspection: Look under flowerpots, bark crevices, and leaf litter during damp morning hours.
- Biological Control: Encourage earwig presence near aphid outbreaks to reduce garden pests naturally.
Prey no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh · cc0
Predator Tythatguy1312 / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh · cc0
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Tsssss · cc0
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