Earwigs (Order: Dermaptera) are primarily omnivores, with a diet that consists of both plant material and smaller insects. Their feeding habits can vary depending on their environment, but here’s a detailed breakdown of what they eat:
1. Plant Matter
Earwigs are often found in gardens, where they feed on various types of plants. Some of the most common plant material they consume includes:
- Leaves: Earwigs feed on the soft, tender leaves of many garden plants, such as lettuce, marigolds, and dandelions.
- Flowers: They are particularly attracted to flowers, including those of fruit plants, ornamental plants, and flowering vegetables like beans and tomatoes.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Soft fruits such as strawberries, apples, and peaches, as well as vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, are common targets for earwigs. They tend to feed on the damaged or overripe areas of the fruit.
- Decaying Organic Matter: They will also feed on decomposing plant material, which includes dead leaves, bark, and other organic waste.
2. Other Insects and Smaller Creatures
Earwigs are opportunistic feeders and will eat smaller insects when available. They may prey on:
- Soft-bodied Insects: Aphids, mites, caterpillars, and scale insects are common prey. Earwigs will actively hunt and consume these pests if they are abundant in the area.
- Dead Insects: Earwigs will also scavenge on dead insects they come across, including other earwigs or insects that have been killed by predators or environmental factors.
3. Rotting Matter
Earwigs are detritivores, which means they play an important role in breaking down decaying organic matter. This includes:
- Dead Plant Material: They feed on decomposing leaves, plant stems, and roots, helping to recycle nutrients back into the soil.
- Rotting Wood: While not as common, earwigs may also feed on decaying wood, particularly if it’s soft or rotting.
4. Fungus and Mold
Earwigs are sometimes attracted to moist environments where mold and fungi thrive. They may feed on fungal growth in damp areas, such as basements, bathrooms, or under mulch.
5. Cannibalism
In some cases, earwigs may exhibit cannibalistic behavior, especially when food is scarce. They will sometimes consume other earwigs, particularly the young or injured individuals.
Behavior and Feeding Habits
Earwigs are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they typically seek shelter under rocks, logs, or plant debris, emerging at dusk to feed. Their preference for moist environments also explains their attraction to areas like damp soil, mulch, or leaf litter.
Impact on Gardens and Crops
While earwigs are not typically destructive to crops in large numbers, their feeding can cause noticeable damage to young plants. They leave irregular holes in leaves and can sometimes damage fruits and flowers, especially in the early stages of plant growth. However, earwigs can also be beneficial in gardens by controlling pests like aphids and mites, so their presence can be both beneficial and problematic, depending on the situation.
Managing Earwigs
In pest control, it’s important to manage earwig populations carefully. If their presence becomes problematic, you can use traps (such as rolled-up newspaper or containers of oil) to catch them, or you can use insecticides targeted at earwigs. Additionally, reducing moisture around homes and gardens, cleaning up debris, and using barriers around vulnerable plants can help minimize earwig damage.
In summary, earwigs are versatile feeders with a wide diet, primarily consisting of plant matter, other insects, and decaying organic materials. While they can cause damage to garden plants, their feeding habits also help control pest populations.