European earwig identification (Forficula auricularia)


Insect identifier · Indoor insects

How to identify a European earwig

Forficula auricularia
· Also called pincher bug, ear wig

European earwig identification photo

People searching “what does a european earwig look like” or “european earwig bite” want a field ID, not a scare. European earwig (Forficula auricularia) is a indoor pests in this guide. Also called pincher bug, ear wig.

A brown bug with a tiny forceps on the tail in the mulch is an earwig.

What does a european earwig look like?

European earwig is About 12–16 mm. Colors people notice: brown, black. Field marks: Forceps on the abdomen; Flat brown body; Damp hiding places.

European earwig is About 12–16 mm. Colors people notice: brown, black. Field marks: Forceps on the abdomen; Flat brown body; Damp hiding places. If the marks fail, open the look-alike pages before forcing this name.

Identification marks

  • Forceps on the abdomen
  • Flat brown body
  • Damp hiding places

Size: About 12–16 mm
Colors: brown, black
Where: both

What a typical european earwig bite looks like

Typical european earwig bite or sting
A typical pattern. Reactions vary. This is a guide photo, not a diagnosis.

A pinch if handled. Not a venomous sting. Wash if pinched Reduce mulch against the foundation

A pinch if handled. Not a venomous sting. Fever, spreading redness, or trouble breathing needs a clinician.

If you were bitten

  1. Wash if pinched
  2. Reduce mulch against the foundation
  3. No special medical care

European earwig vs House centipede

Pinchers and six legs = earwig. Dozens of long legs = house centipede.

Range and season

European earwig is active warm months, year-round in damp houses. Typical places: garden, house, mulch. Pinchers at the tail. They hide in mulch and damp rooms. A pinch is possible; they do not crawl into ears as a habit.

Mulch, flowerpots, and damp basements.

Pinchers at the tail. They hide in mulch and damp rooms. A pinch is possible; they do not crawl into ears as a habit.

Warm months, year-round in damp houses

Common questions

Do earwigs go in your ears?

That is a myth. The pinchers are for defense and folding wings.

Earwig vs centipede?

Earwig: six legs, pinchers. House centipede: many very long legs.

Related identification pages