Pest Guides
Earwig
Order - DERMAPTERA Common species is Forficula auricularia
Appearance
- 14–23 mm long with forceps at the hind end.
- Forceps are curved in the male and straight in the female.
- Dark brown in colour.
Lifecycle
- Female lays around 30 eggs are laid in soil.
- Female looks after eggs and young until they are ready to disperse.
- One generation per year.
Habits
- Adults are nocturnal and seek crevices and cavities for harbourage.
- Earwigs are harmless although forceps can give a slight nip.