Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Earwig

Anisolabis littorea (White)


Order: Dermaptera
Family: Labiduridae

Size range

  • About 35 mm long

Distribution

  • A native species

Life History

  • Found near seashore, under stones and driftwood
  • Eats plant and animal material
  • Nocturnal, hide in damp sheltered places in the daytime
  • Forceps used in defence
  • A different, introduced species, Forficula auricularia, is a pest in garden. Can damage strawberries, apricots