Species › Insects & Arthropods › European Earwig

European Earwig

Forficula auricularia

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of European Earwig (Forficula auricularia)

Introduced from Europe, this earwig is recognizable by its forceps-like pincers and nocturnal habits. It can be found under debris and in damp areas.

Habitat
Prefers damp, sheltered areas like under rocks, logs, and mulched gardens.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding on both plant material and small insects.
How common
Common

Best time to see a European Earwig

The best time to see a European Earwig is May–July, when about 70% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 8,642 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a European Earwig? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent European Earwig sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spotted an European Earwig?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

More insects & arthropods

European Fire Ant
European Fire Ant
Myrmica rubra
European Firefly
European Firefly
Lampyris noctiluca
European Ground Beetle
European Ground Beetle
Pterostichus melanarius
European Hornet
European Hornet
Vespa crabro
European Mantis
European Mantis
Mantis religiosa
European Mole Cricket
European Mole Cricket
Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa
European Paper Wasp
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula
European Wool Carder Bee
European Wool Carder Bee
Anthidium manicatum