European earwig

Definition

A cosmopolitan earwig species (Forficula auricularia) in the family Forficulidae, native to Europe and now widespread across North America and other temperate regions. This omnivorous insect is recognized by the distinctive ear-shaped hindwings that unfold from beneath short, hardened forewings, giving the species its specific epithet auricularia (Latin for 'ear-shaped'). Adults possess prominent, forceps-like cerci at the abdomen tip—more curved in males than females—used in defense, prey capture, and courtship. Though often labeled a household pest for its habit of sheltering in domestic crevices and consuming pantry goods, populations also function as beneficial predators of aphids and other small pests in gardens and agricultural settings.

Etymology

European from native range; earwig from Old English ēarwicga, reinforced by the resemblance of the unfolded hindwings to human ears (Latin auricula, small ear, yielding the scientific epithet auricularia)

Example

In Pacific Northwest orchards, European earwig populations can reach densities of 20 individuals per square meter in ground cover, where they switch from scavenging fallen fruit to actively preying on woolly apple aphid colonies during summer months.

Synonyms

• common earwig
• Forficula auricularia

Related Terms

• cercus
• tegmina
• Dermaptera
• Forficulidae
• omnivory
• synanthropic species
• biological control agent

Usage Notes

The name 'European earwig' properly refers to Forficula auricularia specifically, though 'earwig' alone may apply to any member of order Dermaptera. The species exists as a cryptic species complex with multiple genetically distinct lineages across its range, complicating simple identification. In North America, it is an introduced species, while in Europe it is native. The forceps-like cerci are sexually dimorphic: male cerci are strongly curved with an inward tooth, female cerci nearly straight. Despite folklore, earwigs do not enter human ears.