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Striped earwig

Striped earwig

Labidura riparia

A species of Earwig, Also known as Tawny earwig, Giant earwig, Red earwig

The striped earwig is a good insect to control pests since it preys on a wide range of other insects. It also releases a rotten-smelling pheromone to deter predators. Its main predators are ants. The males have two penises, and they can choose to use either of them. They can produce two to three generations per year, and the last generation will hibernate during the winter.

General Info About Striped earwig
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Attributes of Striped earwig
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Habitat
farmland; woodland; margin of pond and lake
Adult Food Sources
Insects, spiders, carrion, plant material, worms
Larva Food Source
Small insects, decaying plant matter, organic detritus, aphids, mites
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Striped earwig typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Striped earwig
They are a cosmopolitan species primarily in tropical to subtropical regions.
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Distribution Area of Striped earwig
Worldwide
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Appearance of Striped earwig
Labidura riparia is characterized by their modified cerci as forceps, and light tan color. They have two dark longitudinal stripes down the length of the pronotum. Body size varies greatly, ranging from 1.6 - 3 cm, with 10 abdominal segments. Males and females differ in forcep size, with males having much larger and stronger curve, while females have smaller, straighter forceps with a slight curve at the end.
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How to Identify Striped earwig?

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Life Cycle of Striped earwig
Egg The eggs of striped earwig are typically deposited in soil or under debris. They are oval and demonstrate a relatively consistent size and color throughout this stage, lacking any features of the mature insect.
Nymph Nymphs of striped earwig hatch resembling miniature adults but lack wings and functional reproductive organs. Through successive molts, they grow in size, and their color may darken. Wing buds appear and develop in the later nymphal stages.
Adult As an adult, striped earwig sports fully developed wings and reproductive capabilities. The body size is maximized, the exoskeleton hardened and coloration often reaches its final hue. The adult now focuses on mating and laying eggs.
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Adult Size of Striped earwig
1.8 - 2.5 cm
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Predators of Striped earwig Larvae
Frogs, toads, spiders, ants, bird, rodents
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Scientific Classification of Striped earwig
Tips for Finding Striped earwig
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Youth Habitat of Striped earwig
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Deserts and Arid Regions, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Savannas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
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Adult Habitat of Striped earwig
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Deserts and Arid Regions, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Savannas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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How Can You Attract Striped earwig
Since striped earwig is an insectivorous creature, suitable bait to trap or attract it could include small insects such as aphids, caterpillars, or pieces of meat.
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Habitat Preferences of Striped earwig Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of striped earwig are typically deposited in underground nests, where they are guarded by the female. After hatching, nymphs often remain within or close to the nesting site, which is usually moist soil or under stones and logs. As they grow, nymphs roam nearby, still preferring damp, protected areas. Meanwhile, adults can be found in a wider range of habitats including gardens, fields, and forests, often under rocks, bark, or debris. Searching for the different stages of striped earwig requires examining such places, sifting through soil, lifting objects off the ground, and carefully observing for their presence in the cited microhabitats.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Striped earwig
The best time to find striped earwig is during the night as they are nocturnal, and often emerge from hiding to hunt for prey.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Striped earwig
Mild, humid conditions are generally most suitable for finding striped earwig as they prefer to avoid extreme temperatures and dry environments.
Are Striped earwig harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Striped earwig
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Decomposers
Decomposers
Items
Dead Animals, Plant Remains, Food Waste, Garbage
Striped earwig acts as a vital decomposer throughout its adult and nymph life forms. Involved in breaking down organic matter such as dead animals, plant remains, food scraps, and garbage, it recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem. This insect's digestion process releases enzymes, aiding in decomposition, making it an unsung hero in sustaining soil fertility.
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