Earwigs are fascinating insects known for their distinctive pincers and nocturnal behavior. While many people think of earwigs as a single type, there are actually several species found across different environments—from gardens and forests to coastal shorelines. Each species varies in size, color, behavior, and habitat preferences.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 common types of earwigs. For each one, you’ll find a short overview, key identification features, behavior patterns, diet, and reproduction traits to help you better understand these often misunderstood insects.
1. Common Earwig
The Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia) is one of the most widespread earwig species, commonly found in gardens, under rocks, or inside homes during warm seasons. Despite their intimidating pincers, they are harmless to humans and mostly active at night.
Identification
- Reddish-brown body
- 12–15 mm in length
- Prominent curved pincers (forceps)
- Short wings under short, leathery wing covers
- Antennae with multiple segments
Behavior and Habitat
These earwigs prefer dark, moist environments such as under mulch, flowerpots, and garden debris. They hide during the day and emerge at night to feed.
Diet
Common earwigs feed on a mix of plant and insect matter. They consume aphids, decaying vegetation, and soft fruits, making them both helpful and occasionally damaging in gardens.
Reproduction
The female lays eggs in a soil burrow during winter and guards them until they hatch. She continues to care for the nymphs briefly after they emerge, a rare behavior among insects.
2. Striped Earwig
The Striped Earwig (Labidura riparia), also known as the riparian earwig, is a fast-moving species often found near water sources or sandy areas. It’s larger than the common earwig and less likely to enter homes, preferring open environments.
Identification
- Yellowish-brown body with dark stripes on the thorax
- 20–25 mm in length
- Long, straight pincers
- Fully developed wings, though rarely used
- Slender and elongated body shape
Behavior and Habitat
They are mostly active at night and prefer loose soil, riverbanks, or sandy beaches. Striped earwigs are solitary and known for their speed and aggressive hunting behavior.
Diet
This species is primarily carnivorous, preying on soft-bodied insects, larvae, and small invertebrates. It occasionally supplements its diet with decaying plant material.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs in shallow soil burrows and provide care by guarding and cleaning them until they hatch. After hatching, the young stay briefly with the mother before becoming independent.
3. Ringlegged Earwig
The Ringlegged Earwig (Euborellia annulipes) is a small, wingless species commonly found in greenhouses, basements, and potted plants. It’s known for the distinctive banded appearance of its legs and its role as a predator of garden pests.
Identification
- Dark brown to black body
- 10–12 mm in length
- No wings
- Pale legs with dark rings
- Short pincers, slightly curved
Behavior and Habitat
They live in moist, protected environments like under pots, mulch, and leaf litter. These earwigs are not attracted to lights and tend to remain hidden during the day.
Diet
Ringlegged earwigs are beneficial predators, feeding mainly on mites, aphids, insect eggs, and fungal spores, helping control garden pests naturally.
Reproduction
The female lays clusters of eggs in hidden areas and guards them until they hatch. Maternal care ensures a higher survival rate of the nymphs, which develop through multiple molts.
4. Seaside Earwig
The Seaside Earwig (Anisolabis maritima) is commonly found along coastal areas, particularly under driftwood, rocks, and seaweed. It is a nocturnal species adapted to the salty, moist conditions of shorelines.
Identification
- Dark brown to black body
- 18–25 mm in length
- Wingless
- Strong, curved pincers
- Flattened body suited for squeezing into crevices
Behavior and Habitat
This species lives in intertidal zones and hides under debris near the shoreline during the day. At night, it becomes active and hunts small prey or scavenges.
Diet
Seaside earwigs feed on dead insects, decaying organic material, and occasionally small live prey. Their diet plays an important role in cleaning up beach ecosystems.
Reproduction
Females create nests in sand or under debris and lay eggs in small chambers. They guard and care for the eggs until they hatch, after which the young quickly disperse and fend for themselves.
5. Saint Helena Earwig
The Saint Helena Earwig (Labidura herculeana) was one of the largest earwig species known, native to the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, it is now believed to be extinct.
Identification
- Shiny black body
- Up to 80 mm in length
- Massive pincers
- Large, robust body
- Wingless
Behavior and Habitat
This earwig was found under boulders and in dry habitats on volcanic slopes. It was nocturnal and rarely encountered due to its remote habitat.
Diet
Though exact diet details are scarce, it likely fed on small invertebrates and decomposing organic matter, playing a part in the island’s natural waste breakdown.
Reproduction
Very little is documented about its reproduction, but like other earwigs, it probably exhibited maternal care, with females guarding the eggs and newly hatched nymphs in secure underground nests.
6. European Earwig
The European Earwig (Forficula auricularia) is often confused with the common earwig, as they are the same species. This name is typically used when referring to its native range across Europe. It has since spread to North America and other regions.
Identification
- Reddish-brown body
- 12–15 mm in length
- Curved pincers, more pronounced in males
- Short, leathery wing covers
- Long antennae
Behavior and Habitat
They hide in moist, dark places during the day such as under stones, bark, and mulch. At night, they become active and forage for food in gardens and fields.
Diet
European earwigs consume insects, plant material, and organic debris. They are helpful in controlling aphids but can also damage flowers and soft fruits when populations grow large.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs in underground nests and tend to them until hatching. The young remain with the mother for a short time before maturing independently through several molts.
7. Australian Giant Earwig
The Australian Giant Earwig (Titanolabis colossea) is one of the largest earwig species in the world, native to Australia. It is rarely seen and mostly lives in forested and secluded areas.
Identification
- Dark brown to black body
- Up to 50 mm in length
- Large, powerful pincers
- Elongated and thick body
- Short wing covers or wingless
Behavior and Habitat
This species inhabits logs, forest floors, and under rocks in humid, sheltered environments. It avoids human contact and is mostly nocturnal.
Diet
The Australian Giant Earwig feeds on decaying plant material, fungi, and small invertebrates. It helps decompose organic matter in its ecosystem.
Reproduction
Females construct burrows for egg-laying and guard their eggs with great care. After hatching, the nymphs stay protected with the mother until they are ready to fend for themselves.
8. Spine-tailed Earwig
The Spine-tailed Earwig (Doru aculeatum) is a small, slender species commonly found in grassy or agricultural areas, especially near crops like corn. It’s known for its speed and ability to hide in narrow plant stems.
Identification
- Light brown to dark brown body
- 7–12 mm in length
- Short, straight pincers
- Distinct spine at the end of the abdomen
- Transparent wings folded under short covers
Behavior and Habitat
They are frequently found on plants, especially grasses and corn stalks, where they hide during the day and feed at night. They are good climbers and rarely come indoors.
Diet
Spine-tailed earwigs primarily feed on aphids, caterpillars, and other crop pests. They are considered beneficial insects in agricultural environments due to their pest-control role.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs in soil or hidden plant matter and care for them until hatching. The nymphs grow quickly through several molts and remain in vegetation throughout their development.
9. Black Earwig
The Black Earwig (Chelisoches morio) is a tropical species commonly found in Southeast Asia, often in gardens, plantations, and moist outdoor areas. It’s a glossy, dark-colored earwig known for its strong predatory behavior.
Identification
- Shiny black body
- 15–20 mm in length
- Slightly curved pincers
- Fully developed wings (rarely used)
- Smooth and sleek appearance
Behavior and Habitat
They hide in damp soil, under stones, or in leaf litter during the day and hunt at night. Black earwigs are rarely found indoors and prefer warm, humid environments.
Diet
This species is a strong predator, feeding on aphids, ants, and other small insects. It also scavenges organic debris, making it both a hunter and a cleaner in its habitat.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs in protected areas and display maternal care until the nymphs hatch. They remain near the nest in early stages, molting several times before becoming adults.
10. Lesser Earwig
The Lesser Earwig (Labia minor) is a tiny and agile species found across many regions, often in compost piles, garden soil, and grassy areas. Despite its small size, it’s an active predator and decomposer.
Identification
- Light brown body
- 4–6 mm in length
- Straight pincers
- Winged, with transparent wings under short covers
- Slender and narrow body
Behavior and Habitat
They inhabit moist, organic-rich environments like compost heaps, mulch, and flower beds. Lesser earwigs are quick movers and prefer to stay hidden during daylight.
Diet
They consume decaying plant matter, fungal spores, and small invertebrates. Their scavenging behavior contributes to soil health and compost breakdown.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs in protected soil spaces and guard them until hatching. The young develop quickly, molting through several stages to reach adulthood within a few weeks.
11. Maritime Earwig
The Maritime Earwig (Anisolabis littorea) is a coastal species adapted to life near the sea, often found under rocks, seaweed, or driftwood along shorelines. It is closely related to the Seaside Earwig.
Identification
- Dark brown to black body
- 15–20 mm in length
- Wingless
- Strong, curved pincers
- Flattened, moisture-resistant body
Behavior and Habitat
This species thrives in coastal zones and hides under debris during the day. It is nocturnal and avoids areas with heavy foot traffic or human activity.
Diet
Maritime earwigs feed on dead marine organisms, decaying algae, and small insects. They play an important role in cleaning up shoreline waste and natural debris.
Reproduction
Females nest in sandy soil or under rocks, laying eggs in protected chambers. As with other earwigs, maternal care is a key part of their early life cycle.
12. Doru Earwig
The Doru Earwig (Doru taeniatum) is a small, active species commonly found in North and Central America, especially in cornfields and grassy vegetation. It’s recognized for its striped appearance and beneficial role in agriculture.
Identification
- Brownish body with yellowish legs
- 8–11 mm in length
- Short, straight pincers
- Wings present, capable of short flight
- Light-colored bands or stripes on the thorax
Behavior and Habitat
Doru earwigs prefer tall grasses and crop plants, where they hide in leaf sheaths or plant crevices during the day. They are active at night and rarely enter homes.
Diet
They feed primarily on insect pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and mites, making them valuable allies for farmers. Occasionally, they also eat decaying organic matter.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs in soil or protected plant areas and guard them until they hatch. The young go through several molts before becoming adults, usually within a few weeks.
13. Red-legged Earwig
The Red-legged Earwig (Euborellia caraibea) is a lesser-known species found in warmer regions of the Americas and the Caribbean. It is commonly encountered in compost, mulch, and under stones.
Identification
- Dark brown to black body
- 10–13 mm in length
- Reddish or brownish legs
- Wingless
- Curved pincers
Behavior and Habitat
They prefer moist, shaded areas and are usually found in garden beds, forest litter, or under debris. They are nocturnal and avoid light, making them difficult to spot during the day.
Diet
Red-legged earwigs feed on decaying vegetation, fungi, and insect larvae. Their diet supports decomposition and helps maintain soil health.
Reproduction
Females lay small batches of eggs in moist soil and care for them until they hatch. Nymphs remain in the nest briefly before dispersing to develop independently.
14. Labia Minor Earwig
The Labia Minor Earwig (Labia minor) is a tiny, winged species found worldwide in gardens, compost heaps, and agricultural fields. Despite its size, it plays a useful role in decomposing organic matter.
Identification
- Light brown to reddish-brown body
- 4–5 mm in length
- Straight, narrow pincers
- Fully developed wings under short wing covers
- Slender and delicate appearance
Behavior and Habitat
This species thrives in moist, organic environments like garden mulch, compost, and soil. It is highly active, especially at night, and avoids direct sunlight.
Diet
Labia Minor earwigs feed on decaying plant material, small insects, and fungi. Their activity contributes to breaking down organic debris in natural and cultivated environments.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs in protected soil or plant matter and show typical maternal care. The nymphs grow quickly and disperse after a few days of hatching.
15. Shore Earwig
The Shore Earwig (Anisolabis howarthi) is a species adapted to coastal and shoreline environments. Found mostly in tropical and subtropical zones, it’s known for its secretive lifestyle near beaches and rocky coasts.
Identification
- Dark brown to black body
- 12–18 mm in length
- Wingless
- Thick, slightly curved pincers
- Flattened body to fit into tight shoreline crevices
Behavior and Habitat
They inhabit damp shoreline habitats, hiding under rocks, driftwood, and seaweed during the day. Their flattened bodies help them stay protected from predators and harsh weather.
Diet
Shore earwigs consume dead marine organisms, algae, and small invertebrates. They play a role in coastal decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Reproduction
Females nest in crevices and sandy areas close to the shore. As with other species, they guard their eggs and care for the nymphs until they’re ready to survive independently.