Earwig

Earwigs are insects in the order Dermaptera, known for the pincer-like cerci at the end of the abdomen.

Earwigs are insects in the order Dermaptera, known for the pincer-like cerci at the end of the abdomen. The common earwig in Europe and many garden references is *Forficula auricularia*, a nocturnal species that lives in sheltered, often moist habitats. Earwigs are generally considered harmless to people and are often found in gardens and around homes.

Classification and naming

Earwigs are insects in the order Dermaptera. The term perce-oreille is used in French, while forficule often refers to the common earwig, especially *Forficula auricularia*.

Physical characteristics

Earwigs have a long, flattened body and a pair of cerci at the end of the abdomen that resemble forceps. In Canada and other sources, adults are described as brown to reddish-brown and around 1.5 to 2 cm long.

Habitat and behaviour

These insects are usually active at night and seek out dark, moist, and sheltered places. They are commonly associated with gardens, leaf litter, and damp areas near buildings.

Diet and life cycle

Earwigs are omnivorous or opportunistic feeders, eating plant material, organic debris, and small insects. Canadian sources note that treatment and activity often peak in warmer periods when immature stages are present.

Relationship with people

Earwigs are often viewed as pests when they enter homes or damage plants, but they are generally harmless to humans. The belief that they crawl into human ears is a superstition without scientific basis.