Ring-legged Earwig
Euborellia annulipes
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Dermaptera
- Family: Anisolabididae
- Genus: Euborellia
- Species: annulipes
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Euborellia annulipes: /juːˈbɔːrɛliə ænˈjuːlɪpiːz/
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Summary
Euborellia annulipes, commonly known as the ring-legged earwig, is a medium-sized earwig notable for its dark coloring and distinctive leg markings. It is well established in urban areas and gardens, contributing to pest control.
Physical Characteristics
Adult Euborellia annulipes are typically dark brown, measuring 12-18 mm in length. They have pale brown legs with noticeable dark bands around the middle of the femur, and their antennae generally have 14-16 segments. Males have more curved cerci and ten abdominal segments, while females have eight.
Identification Tips
The ringlegged earwig can be identified by its dark brown color and the distinct dark bands on its pale legs. Count the segments of the antennae: 14-16 in E. annulipes versus 17-20 in the similar E. cincticollis.
Habitat
Prefers dry and damp places, commonly found under debris, rocks, and bark. It has been recorded in both tropical and temperate climates.
Distribution
Found in the United States (MA-FL to NE-TX) and British Columbia, California, Arizona; also present in Mexico and documented across Canada, Central and Southern America, Europe, India, China, and Japan.
Diet
Euborellia annulipes is a voracious predator that primarily consumes small slugs, caterpillars, termites, and various other pests. It also feeds on plant material but rarely damages live plants.
Life Cycle
Adult females typically lay 2 to 4 batches of about 50 eggs each. Nymphs undergo 4-5 molts, developing through five instars over a period of 45 to 176 days before becoming adults.
Reproduction
Females guard their eggs fiercely, protecting them from fungi and predators. Mating occurs soon after adults emerge, leading to egg-laying approximately 11 days later.
Ecosystem Role
E. annulipes plays a beneficial role in controlling pest populations, often compensating for any minor damage it may cause to crops like lettuce and strawberries.
Economic Impact
While it may cause slight damage to certain crops, E. annulipes is considered beneficial due to its predation on agricultural pests.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- earwig
- Euborellia annulipes
- insect
- pest control