What Do Earwigs Eat?

Earwigs are known for their pincer-like cerci on their rear end, which they use for defense and capturing prey. These insects are found all over the world, and while they may seem intimidating, they are not harmful to humans. In fact, earwigs can be quite beneficial to have around as they feed on other insects, like aphids and mites, that can damage plants.

But what exactly do earwigs eat? Let’s take a closer look.

Earwig Diet

Earwigs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet can vary depending on the species and the environment they live in. Some common food sources for earwigs include:

Plant Matter

Earwigs feed on a variety of plants, including flowers, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. They are particularly fond of tender shoots and leaves, and can cause damage to crops if their population is not kept in check.

Insects

Earwigs are also known to eat other insects. They have been observed preying on aphids, mites, caterpillars, and even other earwigs. This makes them a valuable asset in controlling pest populations in gardens and farms.

Decaying Matter

Earwigs are scavengers and will feed on decaying organic matter like dead insects and plant material. They also consume fungi and molds that grow on decaying matter.

How Do Earwigs Feed?

Earwigs have chewing mouthparts that they use to consume their food. They use their cerci to capture prey or defend themselves against predators. Once they have captured their food, they use their mandibles to break it down into smaller pieces that they can swallow.

Do Earwigs Eat Paper?

While earwigs will feed on a variety of materials, including decaying matter and other insects, they are not known to eat paper. They may be attracted to paper if it has food stains or other organic matter on it, but they will not consume the paper itself.

Do Earwigs Eat Clothes?

Earwigs are not known to eat clothing. However, they may be attracted to clothes that have food stains or other organic matter on them. This is because earwigs are scavengers and will feed on decaying organic matter like dead insects and plant material.

Can Earwigs Damage Plants?

Earwigs can cause damage to plants if their population is not kept in check. They are particularly fond of tender shoots and leaves and can eat holes in the leaves or strip them entirely off the plant. However, earwigs also feed on other insects that can damage plants, making them a valuable asset in controlling pest populations.

Conclusion

Earwigs are omnivores that eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet includes plant matter, insects, and decaying organic matter. They have chewing mouthparts that they use to consume their food and use their cerci for defense and capturing prey. While earwigs can cause damage to plants if their population is not kept in check, they are also beneficial in controlling pest populations.

FAQ

Are earwigs harmful to humans?

No, earwigs are not harmful to humans. While they have pincer-like cerci that they use for defense, they do not sting or bite humans.

What do baby earwigs eat?

Baby earwigs, also known as nymphs, have the same diet as adult earwigs. They feed on plant matter, insects, and decaying organic matter.

How can I control an earwig infestation?

To control an earwig infestation, you can use sticky traps or insecticides specifically designed for earwigs. You can also reduce their habitat by removing piles of debris or mulch from around your home or garden.