Details of the European Earwig
CHARACTERISTICS: Contrary to popular belief, earwigs do NOT crawl into human ears and bite or pinch people. In fact, earwigs are harmless.
Their pincers are formidable in defense against other earwigs (males fighting for females) or predators. The pincers also help the earwig fold its wings closed.
They have wings, but rarely fly.
Adults of this species hide under objects by day. They are considered beneficial in gardens because they eat aphids. If prey is scarce though, they may damage flower blossoms of fruits and vegetables, making themselves more of a pest.
ADULT SIZE (Length, not including legs):
9mm to 17mm
(0.35in to 0.67in) (Compare Size)
IDENTIFYING COLORS: brown; yellow; red; orange
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Kingdom: Animalia
