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Photo: G. Bradley
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UK
Safari Tip:
A great way to see all the features on earwigs and other invertebrates is
with a special magnifier box - click
here
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Latin name: Forficula auricularia
Size: Approximately 12mms long
Distibution: Found throughout the U.K.
Months seen: All year round
Habitat: Normally found under stones, compost heaps and in any small
crevices. In summer they tend to be found in hiding places high off the ground.
Food: Plants, flowers, pollen and insects
Special features: Earwigs can immediately be recognised by the pincers
at the end of the body. The pincers of the female are straight, while the
pincers of the male are curved.
Earwigs are well known for their parental care, which is unusual among
insects. The females guard their young until they are well grown.
The earwig life cycle goes through three stages - egg to nymph to adult. A newly
hatched earwig looks similar to the adult, but much smaller. There is no pupa or
chrysalis stage (as there are with butterflies).
 As it grows, a young earwig has to shed its outer skin several times. The new skin
underneath is white at first, but after a few hours it begins to darken.
Did You Know?
Earwigs are able to fly. They have quite large wings which are carefully folded under the
flaps on the thorax. When open, the wings are noticeably ear-shaped which gave
rise to the name 'earwing'. This name became corrupted over time and we now call
these insects 'earwigs'.
UK Safari Creepy-Crawlies Section
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