what is an earwig

An earwig is a small insect in the order Dermaptera, known for the pincer-like forceps at the end of its abdomen and its short, leathery wing covers. Despite the old myth, earwigs do not crawl into people’s ears or burrow into brains, and they are generally harmless to humans.

Quick Scoop

Earwigs usually have:

• A flattened, elongated body.
• Curved pincers at the back.
• Wings tucked under short wing covers in many species.
• A mostly nocturnal lifestyle, hiding in damp, shady places.

What they eat

Most earwigs feed on decaying plant matter, pollen, and small insects, so they can act as both scavengers and predators. Some species may nibble plants when populations get high, which is why they can sometimes be garden pests.

Common misconception

The name comes from an old superstition about ears, but that belief is false. Earwigs may pinch if handled, yet they do not normally harm people.

TL;DR: An earwig is a harmless-looking insect with rear pincers, usually active at night, and only occasionally a nuisance in gardens or homes.