Earwigs Earwigs (Dermaptera) number ~85 known species in Australia and occur in moist habitats with leaf litter and debris, under bark and stones and in crevices. They are often yellow, red-brown or black with a flat slender body up to 30 mm in length. They are most notable for their pincers (called cerci) at the end of their abdomen, which they use to defend themselves in much the same way as a scorpion (although they are harmless to humans). Some species also release a pungent liquid to deter predators. Earwigs feed on insects, spiders and mites, pollen, fungi, mosses and algae and when in large numbers can damage flowers, fruits and vegetables. One species, Labidura truncata, attacks codling moth (Cydia pomonella) larvae, so may benefit agriculture. Female earwigs care for their eggs and nymphs, defending them from intruders. They will clean them by licking off fungus and parasites and feed nymphs up to the second or third moult. When open, the hind wings are thought to resemble a human ear. It is however, very unlikely an earwig will crawl into your ear!
European Earwig
European Earwig | Forficula auricularia This species is a pest of flower buds, often causing petals to drop. You are more likely to encounter this introduced species than one of the natives.
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