Chelisoches morio

(Fabricius, 1775)

black earwig

Chelisoches morio, commonly known as the , is a in the . are uniformly jet black and among the largest earwigs, reaching up to 36 mm in length. The species exhibits extended maternal care, with females guarding and feeding first- before they disperse. Males possess distinctive widely separated, serrated that differ markedly from female . The species has been investigated as a potential agent due to its predatory habits and high consumption rates of agricultural pests.

Chelisoches morio by (c) Damien Wallace, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Damien Wallace. Used under a CC-BY license.

Chelisoches morio 06328 by Vengolis. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Black earwig (Dermaptera) from Hawaii (8379166599) by gbohne from Berlin, Germany. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chelisoches morio: /ˈkɛlɪˌsoʊkɛs ˈmɔrioʊ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The combination of large size (up to 36 mm), uniform jet black coloration, and male with wide separation and serration distinguishes C. morio from most other . In the Pacific Northwest and tropical regions, it can be separated from smaller, lighter-colored earwigs by size and color alone. The male cercal structure is diagnostic for -level identification within Chelisoches where species occur. are darker and lack fully developed .

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Habitat

Occupies moist environments including tropical forests, Pacific islands, and damp temperate regions such as the Pacific Northwest of North America. Requires substrates with sufficient humidity for nesting. Often found in soil, leaf litter, and decaying matter where moisture is retained. Nests are constructed in moist substrates and lined with soil particles and coir.

Distribution

distribution with highest abundance in tropical regions, Pacific islands, and the Pacific Northwest of North America. Records span multiple continents though precise range is obscured by widespread human-mediated . Present in both Old World and New World tropics and subtropics.

Seasonality

Active year-round in tropical ; activity patterns in temperate regions undocumented but likely seasonal. are primarily though activity has been observed. Courtship and mating can occur at any time of day.

Diet

with documented on (), (), hoppers, , (), and . Also consumes material including fruits such as bananas and dragon fruits. feeding habits support its potential as a agent.

Life Cycle

Development includes four nymphal before . Females approximately 140 per clutch in irregularly shaped nests constructed in moist substrate. Incubation lasts 5–7 days. First-instar aggregate near the mother and receive maternal feeding for one day before molting to second instar and dispersing. Third and fourth instars show increasing predatory capability, with fourth instars able to kill adult . Adult male lifespan averages 60 days; adult female lifespan averages 94 days.

Behavior

Nocturnally active with some activity observed. Exhibits pronounced maternal care: females construct nests, in clusters, and remain with eggs throughout incubation, using mouthparts to clean, rearrange, and maintain egg moisture. Females guard eggs against disturbance; removal of the female immediately after results in egg inviability. After hatching, females feed first- for approximately 24 hours and protect them through the first , after which maternal care terminates and nymphs disperse.

Ecological Role

in soil and leaf litter , consuming diverse small including agricultural pests. Polyphagy and high consumption rates contribute to of . Maternal care behaviors enhance offspring survival in humid microhabitats. May contribute to through consumption of decaying matter.

Human Relevance

Investigated as a agent for agricultural pests including Tirathaba rufivena, , , and . occurs across all larval stages of C. morio and targets multiple pest . Not known to cause damage to or structures; benefits appear to outweigh any minor feeding. No documented medical or nuisance significance.

Similar Taxa

Forficula auricularia (European earwig)Smaller size (typically 10–16 mm), coloration with pale legs and , and male that are strongly curved and not widely separated at the base. Lacks the uniform jet black color and large size of C. morio.
Euborellia spp.Different cercal structure and typically smaller size; some have reduced and different body proportions. Euborellia plebeja, a common species, has shorter, more curved and lighter coloration.

More Details

Mating System

Males initiate courtship through antennal tapping. Receptive females reciprocate with antennal contact, cueing males to move to the side and curve the for genital contact. Unreceptive females may use to repel males. Pairs mate 2–8 times with copulation duration ranging from minutes to one hour. Males may mate with up to 6 females. Multiple matings increase female and viability.

Biological Control Potential

High consumption rates across all and polyphagy on multiple agricultural pest make C. morio a of research for . Studies have examined rearing techniques, prey intake volumes, and optimization for mass production.