Earwig IdentificationEarwigs are insects that belong to the order Dermaptera, which means skin wings. They have a long, flat body with a hard, reddish-brown shell and a pair of forcep-like pincers on their abdomen. They also have two pairs of wings, but the hindwings are folded under the short, rarely used forewings. Earwigs have antennae that are about half as long as their body, and they vary in size from 1.5 to 2.0 cm (.59 to .79 inches) long. The pincers are used for defense, courtship, and handling food. The male earwigs have larger, curved pincers, while the female earwigs have smaller, straighter ones.

There are many species of earwigs, with different characteristics and habits. Some of the common earwigs in North America are:

European earwigs (Forficula auricularia): These are the most common earwigs in the United States and Canada. They are dark red-brown in color, with pale yellow wings and legs. They are mostly nocturnal and hide in moist, dark places during the day. They feed on a wide variety of organic matter and other insects. They are sometimes considered pests, as they can damage plants and crops.

Ring-legged earwigs (Euborellia annulipes): These are frequent insects found in the southern states of America. They are darker than the European earwigs, and have dark circles on their yellowish legs. They do not have wings, and are mostly found outdoors. They feed on vegetation and other insects. They are not very harmful to humans or plants.

Striped earwigs (Labidura riparia): These are also known as the riparian, shore, or tawny earwigs. They have a pair of stripes on the front part of their back, and a lighter brown or tan color. They are predators, and feed on a variety of living and dead insects, such as larvae, eggs, spiders, caterpillars, and more. They are sometimes considered beneficial, as they help control pests. They are mostly found in coastal areas, where they burrow in wet sand.

Maritime earwigs (Anisolabis maritima): These are also known as the seaside earwigs. They are blackish in color, with a yellow underbelly and legs. They do not have wings, and cannot fly. They feed on other insects in the wet sand of the beach. They are not dangerous to humans or plants, but may emit a foul-smelling liquid when disturbed.