Types of Earwigs

Earwigs are insects of the order Dermaptera, meaning "skin wing." There are 12 families of Dermaptera, which contain approximately 1,800 known species. The bulk of these species are indigenous to the tropics, though at least 25 live in North America. Earwigs are found throughout the United States, especially in the southern and southwestern states, as they do not do as well in colder weather.

  1. Common Characteristics of Earwigs

    • Earwigs can be up to 3 inches long, though the varieties found in the United States usually do not grow beyond 1 inch. Most are scavengers, though some are omnivorous and some are predatory. They tend to be nocturnal. Perhaps the most identifiable feature on an earwig are its forceps-like pincers growing out of its abdomen. Males tend to have more prominent, curved pincers, while females have smaller, straighter pincers. The life expectancy of an earwig is about one year. During this time, an earwig will molt five to six times. The earwig is mostly a flightless insect. Though many species have wings, most use them rarely use them for flight. Other species do not have wings. And no, an earwig will not crawl into your ear, despite its name.

    Earwigs of the Suborder Forficulina

    • Nearly all of the roughly 1,800 known species of earwig, including the familiar European earwig, come under the suborder Forficulina. The European earwig, also known as the common earwig, is the most widespread variety in the world, and the type seen most often in North America. The European earwig is found in homes and gardens. It is primarily a scavenger, but can also attack plant lice and other prey, and eats plants including clover, dahlias, zinnias and many fruits and vegetables. This type of earwig can be considered a pest insofar as it damages crops, though in some circumstances it provides benefits by eating more damaging insects such as the aforementioned plant lice.

    Earwigs of the Suborder Arixeniina

    • There are five earwig species within the suborder Arixeniina. These are tiny insects that mostly live as ectoparasites on the bodies of mammals. They are found primarily in Malaysia and the Philippines, and their most common host is the naked bulldog bat. The earwigs of the five Arixeniina species are blind and wingless.

    Earwigs of the Suborder Hemimerina

    • There are 10 earwig species within the suborder Hemimerina. Like those of the Arixeniina suborder, they are very small, mostly live as ectoparasites, are blind and are wingless. These earwigs are found primarily in Africa. They have streamlined bodies and short, stout legs. Their hosts of choice are various species of giant rat.