Earwigs
Guides
Anisolabididae
Anisolabididae is a family of earwigs (order Dermaptera, suborder Neodermaptera) comprising 38 genera across 13 subfamilies. Members include both cosmopolitan and geographically restricted species, with some showing specialized adaptations for subcortical or coastal habitats. Several genera, particularly Euborellia, are recognized for their predatory behavior and potential as biological control agents of agricultural pests. The family exhibits diverse morphologies ranging from typical earwig body plans to dorsoventrally flattened forms adapted for life under bark.
Anisolabis
Anisolabis is a genus of earwigs in the subfamily Anisolabidinae, with most species occurring in Asia. The genus name derives from the asymmetrical male cerci, with the right cercus more acute than the left. The best-studied species is Anisolabis maritima, the maritime earwig, which has been extensively researched for its social behavior, sexual selection, and maternal care. Other species such as A. annulipes are known agricultural pests.
Dermanyssina
Dermanyssina is a suborder of mesostigmatid mites characterized by adaptations for parasitic or phoretic lifestyles. Members exhibit diverse host associations, including beetles and earwigs. The suborder includes taxa with specialized morphological features for attachment to and transport by host organisms.
Dermaptera
Earwigs
Earwigs comprise the insect order Dermaptera, with approximately 2,000 species in 12 families. They are distinguished by forceps-like cerci at the abdomen tip and hindwings folded beneath short forewings, giving rise to the order name meaning 'skin wings.' Most species are nocturnal, hiding in dark moist places during daylight. While some groups are tiny parasites lacking typical pincers, the majority are free-living and found on all continents except Antarctica.
Forficulidae
common earwigs
Forficulidae is a large family of earwigs containing over 70 genera and more than 500 described species. Members possess the characteristic forceps-like cerci at the abdomen tip that define the order Dermaptera. The family includes notable species such as the European earwig (Forficula auricularia), which has been introduced globally and studied extensively for its agricultural impacts. Forficulidae was formerly treated as a suborder (Forficulina) but is now classified within the suborder Neodermaptera.
Labiduridae
striped earwigs
Labiduridae is a family of earwigs commonly known as striped earwigs, containing approximately 72 species across seven genera in three subfamilies. Members are moderate to large in size with cylindrical bodies, well-developed wings, and notably long antennae. The family exhibits cosmopolitan distribution and includes well-known species such as Labidura riparia (tawny earwig) and Nala lividipes. Many species display subsocial maternal care and predatory habits, with some serving as biological control agents of agricultural pests.
Labiinae
little earwigs
Labiinae is a cosmopolitan subfamily of small, winged earwigs commonly known as little earwigs. Members are generally less than 1.5 cm in length. The subfamily includes eight genera and is classified within the family Spongiphoridae.
Marava
little earwigs
Marava is a genus of small earwigs in the family Spongiphoridae, containing more than 50 described species. The genus has a broad distribution centered in the Americas, though at least one species, M. arachidis, is cosmopolitan and has been introduced to many regions worldwide. Members of this genus are associated with stored organic materials, animal housing, and plant environments. Some species exhibit predatory behavior and have been investigated for biological control applications.
Spongiphorinae
little earwigs
Spongiphorinae is a subfamily of small earwigs erected by Karl Wilhelm Verhoeff in 1902, commonly known as "little earwigs." It belongs to the superfamily Forficuloidea and family Spongiphoridae. The subfamily contains approximately nine genera, including the type genus Spongiphora. Some species, such as Marava arachidis, have achieved cosmopolitan distribution through human association.