Striped earwig, Labidura riparia
(Dermaptera: Labiduridae)
Males and females of this species are similar in appearance with the exception of their pincers (male pincers are distinctly curved, while female pincers are much straighter and often criss-crossed at the apex). Striped earwigs are small to medium-sized insects that range from 2 to 3 cm in length, and are usually reddish-brown or brown in color. Their bodies are rather elongate and somewhat flattened. The forewings of earwigs are short and leathery, and meet in a straight line down the back of the body. The hind wings are rounded in shape and hidden underneath the forewings. Striped earwigs have long, threadlike antennae. The striped earwig has distinctive dark stripes located on the upper surface of its body, extending to its wings.
The life cycle of the striped earwig lasts between 40 and 80 days, depending on the temperature. After mating, female earwigs lay 30 to 55 eggs underground. There are four to five nymphal instars between the egg and adult stages.
Striped earwigs are nocturnal, and are usually found hiding in the soil, in debris, and under leaf litter during the day, throughout the United States.
Striped earwigs feed on small insects.
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