Forficula

Forficula is a genus of earwigs in the family Forficulidae, within the order Dermaptera. The best known species is Forficula auricularia, commonly called the European or common earwig. The genus includes several described species that occur in various regions, with some having been introduced beyond their native ranges.

Members of Forficula are elongate, flattened insects with a pair of curved, pincer-like cerci at the tip of the abdomen. They typically have short, leathery forewings and often show a brown to dark brown coloration. Body length commonly falls in the range of about 10 to 20 millimeters. Many species are nocturnal and shelter in crevices, leaf litter, or under bark during the day.

They inhabit a variety of habitats, including gardens, forests, and occasionally human structures. They are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on plant material, decaying organic matter, fungi, and small invertebrates. In gardens they can help control pests, but some earwigs may damage tender fruits, vegetables, and seedlings.

Reproduction and development in earwigs involve eggs laid in sheltered sites, with females often exhibiting maternal care by guarding the eggs and young for a period. The life cycle proceeds through molts from egg to nymphs to adults, a process known as incomplete metamorphosis.

In human contexts, earwigs rarely cause significant damage but may be considered nuisance pests in some settings. They are typically valued for their role as natural predators and scavengers, contributing to ecosystem balance in gardens and natural habitats.