(Dermaptera: Forficulidae)
Issue No. 318
H. V. Weems, Jr. and Paul E. Skelley
May, 1989
Introduction
The European earwig, Forficula auricularia Linnaeus 1758, is intercepted in Florida frequently in bundles of plants and shrubbery, in cut flowers, and in florists’ equipment arriving from the western United States. This insect is spread largely by man. Spread by natural means is limited because earwigs seldom fly and cannot maintain flight very long. It has not yet become established in Florida, but it has the potential to do so, at least in the northern part of the state. This earwig was recorded first in the United States at Newport, Rhode Island in 1911 (Jones, 1917). Jones (1917) reported a small colony from Seattle, Washington in 1915. Later evidence indicated that it first invaded North America somewhere on the west coast in the early 1900’s. Eventually it became widespread in the New England and middle Atlantic states and throughout most of the western states, especially where there is abundant rainfall or irrigation to provide moisture and food. It became the dominant species of earwig in many of these areas. This earwig is found throughout Europe, but it seldom is present in great numbers. The origins of the Newport and Seattle infestations are unknown, as is how the first individuals were imported. Quantities of nursery stock arrive from abroad each year upon which the importations may have been made. While it has not been considered of great economic importance in Europe, it has become a serious pest in parts of the United States.
New colonies tend to build to very high population levels with consequent competition for food and shelter, followed by gradual decline. It is a nuisance in and about homes and gardens. It is much disliked because of its repulsive appearance to many people, its foul odor, and its habit of feeding at times in kitchen refuse or hiding in a wet mop. It may be destructive to many plants and flowers, but it is omnivorous, feeding on both plant and animal material, and it may be beneficial as other insects make up a large part of the food supply.