European earwig
Forficula auricularia Linnaeus
Order: Dermaptera
Family: Forficulidae
Size range
- 10–20 mm
Distribution
- Introduced, common in gardens in summer
Life History
- Overwinter underground
- Omnivorous, feed on plant or animal material
- May damage fruit near ground e.g. strawberries
- Preys on smaller insects
- Nocturnal
- First recorded in New Zealand 1898
- Has wings concealed under wing covers but seldom flies
- Pincers for capture of prey and defence – could give a bite if cornered