European earwig vs Shore earwig
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell an European earwig from a shore earwig, and whether either one bites or stings.
European earwig
Forficula auricularia
Shore earwig
Labidura riparia
≠The key differences
Forficula auricularia is generally smaller and more strongly reddish-brown with different body proportions; Forficula commonly occurs in gardens and houses, while Labidura riparia prefers open damp sites.
⚖︎Side by side
| European earwig | Shore earwig | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic pinch | Pinch risk |
| Size | 12-15 mm body length | 18-30 mm body length (excluding forceps) |
| Colours | Reddish brown, Dark brown, Yellowish tan, Black (antennae and tips) | Yellowish-brown, Dark brown (stripes), Reddish-brown |
| Family | Forficulidae | Labiduridae |
| Habitat | Moist, sheltered microhabitats: under bark, stones, leaf litter, garden mulch, compost heaps, and occasionally in basements, bathrooms or cracks inside houses. | Moist open habitats: riverbanks, lake shores, marsh edges, coastal dunes, wet grassland, under stones, wood and debris |
| Range | Native to Europe; introduced and established across North America, parts of South America, Australia, New Zealand and other temperate regions. | Nearly cosmopolitan in warm regions: southern Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, and introduced to the Americas, where it is common in the southern United States |
| Active | Mostly nocturnal; active spring through autumn in temperate regions, with peak activity in warm months and at night. | Mainly spring to autumn; nocturnal (active at night and early evening) |
| Pest? | Yes | No |
🔍How to spot an European earwig
- Look for a 12-15 mm elongated, flattened brown insect with visible forceps-like cerci at the rear.
- Males have more curved and robust cerci; females have straighter, shorter cerci.
- Short leathery forewings and a generally shiny, reddish-brown body distinguish earwigs from beetles or roaches.
- Active at night; inspect under bark, stones, pots and mulch to find hiding earwigs.
🔍How to spot a shore earwig
- Relatively large earwig, 18-30 mm body length, with distinct forceps (cerci) at rear
- Pale yellowish-brown to reddish-brown body, usually with darker brown stripes on the pronotum and wing covers; legs pale
- Found in damp open habitats such as riverbanks and marsh edges, hiding under stones and debris during day
- Males have more curved, robust forceps while females have straighter, finer ones
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an European earwig and a shore earwig?
Forficula auricularia is generally smaller and more strongly reddish-brown with different body proportions; Forficula commonly occurs in gardens and houses, while Labidura riparia prefers open damp sites.
Is an European earwig or a shore earwig more dangerous?
European earwig: Non-toxic pinch. Shore earwig: Pinch risk. European earwigs are not venomous and do not transmit disease. Not venomous.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.