ABSTRACT
This chapter presents information on the medical importance, geographic distribution, and biological aspects of earwigs. Earwigs are relatively harmless insects that are occasionally seen inside homes. Earwigs are elongate, slender, flattened insects that are dark colored and have forceps-like cerci. There are more than 2000 species of earwigs worldwide. In the United States, there are at least 20 species of earwigs, although only 2–3 are pests in human dwellings. Earwigs are mostly nocturnal feeders, feeding on dead and decaying vegetable matter. During the day, earwigs hide in cracks and crevices, under bark, or in piles of debris. Earwigs lay their eggs in burrows in the ground or among debris, and the female tends them until hatching. This display of maternal care is rare among insects. Earwigs undergo simple metamorphosis and have as many as six nymphal stages.
