Earwigs, also known as pincher bugs, are small insects that primarily live outdoors but occasionally find their way into homes. Although they don’t pose a significant threat to humans, they can cause problems in gardens by damaging plant leaves and flowers. In this article from the Teke Tek website, we will talk about earwigs, their life stages, and some important facts about them.
Appearance and Anatomy
- Earwigs belong to the order Dermaptera
- Their bodies consist of three distinct parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen.
- Most earwig species have a single pair of wings located under protective wing covers (elytra), but they rarely use them for flying.
- They have six legs, two antennae, and distinctive pincers (cerci) at the end of their abdomen.
- The pincers are used for capturing prey and grasping objects.
Reproductive Life Cycle
- Egg Stage:
Female earwigs carefully carry their eggs until they find a suitable location to deposit them.
Typically, they lay between 20 to 60 eggs at once.
The female licks each egg individually to prevent fungal growth, ensuring successful hatching.
- Nymph (Hatchling) Stage:
After hatching (usually within about seven days), the nymphs enter the larval stage.
The female cares for the nymphs until their first molt.
Nymphs undergo four to six molts to reach maturity.
- Molting (Ecdysis):
Molting involves shedding the old exoskeleton and growing a new one.
During this process, nymphs grow larger and eventually develop adult features, including wings.
- Adulthood:
Earwigs reach maturity after approximately one year from egg hatching. They become sexually active and continue the reproductive cycle.
Habitat and Behavior
- Earwigs are semi-social creatures that often gather in groups.
- They prefer moist environments and thrive in warm climates.
- Outdoors, you can find them under damp leaves, garden mulch, or grass clippings.
- Although earwigs primarily stay outdoors, they may seek refuge indoors during rainy weather or when searching for hiding spots near water sources (such as kitchens and bathrooms).
- Earwigs are nocturnal, spending their days resting and becoming active at night.
- Their primary activities include foraging for food and hunting prey.
Diet
- Earwigs are carnivorous, feeding on small insects and sometimes dead organic matter.
- When prey is scarce, they happily consume grass, flowers, and other plant material.
- If they find their way indoors, they may feed on dry goods like flour or even biscuits if available.
Common Earwig Species
European Earwig (Forficula auricularia)
- Measures about 12 to 15 mm in length.
- Rarely uses its wings for flight.
- Digs underground burrows to survive during winter.
Striped Earwig
- Dark brown with vertical stripes running from its head to the thorax.
- Approximately 25 mm long.
Marine Earwig
- Dark brown or black with a yellow abdomen.
- Typically found in coastal areas, where it burrows in damp sand and feeds on other insects.
- Despite its proximity to water, it cannot swim.
FAQ
- Do earwigs have wings?
Most earwig species have a single set of wings located on their thorax.
These wings appear almost non-existent to the naked eye, as they are hidden beneath the hard wing covers. But when the wing covers are opened, earwigs’ wings open to about 10 times the size of their wing coverts.
- What do earwigs do with their tweezers?
Earwigs use their pincers for a variety of activities, including seizing prey, intimidating predators, and fighting with each other.
Male earwigs typically have larger, more curved pincers compared to females’ straighter, narrower pincers.
- What attracts earwigs to homes?
Earwigs are nocturnal, active creatures that are attracted to light, so if you have a habit of leaving lights on late at night, earwigs can find a way into your home through any cracks, they may do so.
Earwigs sometimes enter homes when it starts raining outside, seeking refuge in dry hiding places.
- Why are they called earwigs?
Earwigs get their name because they have two long protruding pincers at the end of their bodies, which closely resemble scissors.
- How long do earwigs live?
The average lifespan of an earwig is one year.
- Are earwigs harmful to humans or pets?
In very rare cases, earwigs can bite a person or a pet.
- Do earwig bites hurt?
Earwigs do not carry pathogens and are not poisonous, so pinching them is usually harmless.
In very isolated cases, their pincers can break the skin of humans or pets.
A pinch can leave a small red mark that heals quickly.
- How to eliminate earwigs?
Through insecticides: Here you use the appropriate insecticides for this insect, and spray them on them, especially during the day, i.e. when they are active and appearing.
In conclusion, earwigs are intriguing creatures with unique features and play important roles in ecosystems. Let’s appreciate their diversity and contribute to their conservation by respecting all living organisms, including these small but significant insects. Preserving their habitats ensures long-term environmental health.
