Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: omnivorous
Immatures: omnivorous

North American
Species: 5 in Canada

Dermaptera Forficulidae
Common earwigs

Special Characteristics: These are shiny brown or black flexible insects with very short, square front wings and well-developed forceps at the tip of the abdomen.

Comments: Common earwigs are omnivorous scavengers. This family is represented in Canada by our only native earwig, and widespread and abundant alien species. During the day these insects are found under stones, debris, logs, bark, in crevices or leaf sheaths and deep in flowers. They emerge at night to feed.

Species:
Forficula auricularia Linnaeus

Common Name:
European earwig

Feeding Habits: They are omnivorous. They are beneficial because other insects make up a large part of their food supply, but they are also a pest because they feed on garden plants and infest houses and other buildings.

Distribution:
British Columbia to Newfoundland

Comments:
This species was introduced to many cities in North America and has become widespread relatively quickly. They can build up very high populations and become a nuisance. They are mostly nocturnal and shelter under boards or stones or in cracks during the day.