Common Earwigs

Family Forficulidae

European earwig (Forficula auricularia). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Common earwigs are omnivorous scavengers. This family is represented in Canada by our only native earwig and widespread and abundant alien species. During the day these insects are found under stones, debris, logs, bark, in crevices or leaf sheaths and deep in flowers. They emerge at night to feed.

Distribution of European earwig (Forficula auricularia) in Canada