Earwigs
What are they?
Earwigs form a small group of insects in North America, but the species most likely to be seen in garden and urban environments are introduced from Europe. These are omnivorous insects, feeding on both small insects and on plant material. They may sometimes be considered pests by gardeners as they can do damage to flowers when present in significant numbers. Adults are winged, the wings folding up when at rest under short and stubby wing cases. Adults are attendant parents, spending much time guarding their eggs and young. Most species are active at night, spending the day hiding in sheltered spots. Adults favor hollow plant stems as overwintering sites.
Identification
The stout, pincer-like cerci at the distal end of the abdomen distinguish earwings from other insect groups. In the commoner European species, females have straight pincers while those of males are curved. Most species are easily identified by leg and body color and markings.
European Earwig Forficula auriculata
Common in gardens, sometimes reaching numbers that can be damaging to plants. This is by far the commonest earwig species in the Cape May area.
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