Earwigs, belonging to the order Dermaptera, are a common sight in the UK’s gardens, woodlands, and outdoor spaces. The most familiar species is the common earwig (Forficula auricularia), easily recognizable by its elongated body, brown coloration, and distinctive pair of pincer-like appendages, called cerci, at the rear of its abdomen. While earwigs often have a negative reputation due to myths and their somewhat alarming appearance, these insects play an important role in the UK’s ecosystems and are largely beneficial to the environment.

Here are some of the key species:

These species vary in size, habitat, and behaviour, but they all contribute to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the UK’s environments.

Physical Characteristics and Behaviour

Earwigs are relatively small, usually measuring between 12 to 15 mm in length, with a flattened, flexible body that allows them to hide in crevices and under debris. Their cerci, or forceps, are more prominent in males, being curved and more robust, while females have smaller, straight pincers. These forceps serve a variety of functions, including defence, mating, and capturing prey.

Earwigs are nocturnal creatures, hiding during the day in dark, moist areas such as under stones, bark, or plant debris, and emerging at night to feed. They are omnivorous, consuming a wide range of food sources, including decaying plant matter, live plants, fungi, and small insects. This diverse diet allows earwigs to occupy a variety of habitats, from gardens and parks to agricultural areas and woodland environments.

Habitat and Distribution

The common earwig is widespread throughout the UK, found in most outdoor habitats where there is sufficient shelter and moisture. They are particularly abundant in gardens, where they seek out damp, dark areas like leaf piles, compost heaps, and underneath stones or flowerpots. Earwigs prefer moist environments, as they are prone to dehydration due to their thin exoskeleton. They thrive in mild climates and can be observed from spring through autumn.

During winter, earwigs go through a period of overwintering. Females dig small burrows in the soil and lay eggs, typically between 20 and 80. They are unusual among insects in that they exhibit maternal care, with females guarding their eggs and, later, their young nymphs, protecting them from predators and grooming them to reduce fungal infections. This level of care continues until the young are able to survive independently, marking earwigs as an interesting case of insect parental behaviour.

Role in Ecosystems

Despite their negative reputation, earwigs play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. They are both predators and scavengers, helping to control pest populations by feeding on aphids, mites, and other small insects that can harm plants. In gardens, earwigs can be valuable allies for gardeners, as they consume aphids and other soft-bodied pests that attack crops and ornamental plants.

Additionally, earwigs contribute to the decomposition process by feeding on decaying organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead plant material. This helps recycle nutrients back into the soil, promoting healthier plant growth and supporting the broader ecosystem.

While earwigs are beneficial in many ways, they can occasionally cause damage to plants, especially soft fruits, flowers, and young seedlings. However, their impact is generally minimal compared to their ecological benefits, and most infestations can be managed through simple garden practices.

Common Misconceptions

Earwigs have long been surrounded by myths and misunderstandings. One persistent myth is that earwigs crawl into people’s ears while they sleep and burrow into their brains. This belief is entirely false, though it has contributed to the insect’s unsettling reputation. In reality, earwigs are harmless to humans and prefer to stay in dark, moist areas far from human activity.

Another misconception is that earwigs are primarily destructive to gardens. While they do occasionally nibble on soft plant tissues and flowers, such as dahlias and lettuce, their benefits as natural pest controllers far outweigh the minor damage they might cause.

Control and Management

In cases where earwig populations become a nuisance in gardens, there are several non-invasive methods for controlling their numbers. Gardeners can create traps by placing rolled-up newspaper or damp cardboard in garden beds, as earwigs will hide in these during the day. These traps can then be collected and relocated away from plants.

Encouraging natural predators, such as birds and toads, can also help keep earwig populations in check. Since earwigs thrive in moist environments, reducing excessive moisture and removing debris from garden beds can make the area less attractive to them. Importantly, earwigs should be viewed not as pests to be eradicated, but as beneficial creatures that contribute to the natural balance in gardens and ecosystems.

Conclusion

Earwigs, especially the common earwig (Forficula auricularia), are an integral part of the UK’s insect fauna. Though often misunderstood and unfairly maligned, earwigs play a vital ecological role by controlling pest populations, aiding in decomposition, and contributing to the biodiversity of the UK’s gardens and natural habitats. Their adaptability, nocturnal habits, and unique maternal care make them fascinating creatures worth understanding and appreciating. Rather than fearing or eliminating earwigs, learning to coexist with them benefits both gardeners and the broader environment.