Is it a earwig?
The earwig is a small, nocturnal insect with distinctive pincers, commonly found in damp, dark areas of homes and gardens.
CC0 photograph via iNaturalist (research-grade identification)
whichbug identifies insects from what you can see. It does not identify bites and has no health information.
What to look for
| Size | 10-18 mm |
|---|---|
| Colour | dark brown to black, sometimes with reddish-brown markings |
| Shape | elongated, flattened body with a pair of forceps-like cerci at the abdomen tip |
| Wings | most species have short, leathery forewings and membranous hindwings folded underneath, though some are wingless |
| Antennae | long, thread-like, and segmented |
| Movement | capable of walking, climbing, and short flights; moves quickly when disturbed |
Where you'll find them
under sinks and bathtubsin potted plantsinside cracks in foundation wallsunder mulch or leaf litter near the housenuisance only
occasionally feeds on soft plant tissues or paper but rarely causes significant structural or food damage.
Season: most active and visible during late summer and autumn
Signs it's around
- presence of live insects in damp areas
- small yellowish stains on walls or fabrics
- damaged leaves or petals on indoor plants
- shed exoskeletons in corners
Not sure? The lookalikes
| vs silverfish | earwigs have visible pincers at the tail end, while silverfish have three tail-like appendages and no pincers |
| vs rove beetle | earwigs have a flattened body and distinct pincers, whereas rove beetles have a more cylindrical body and lack pincers |
| vs cockroach nymph | earwigs have prominent pincers and a more tapered abdomen, while cockroach nymphs have a broader, oval shape and no pincers |
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