βœ‚οΈ Earwigs

Maritime Earwig

Anisolabis maritima

About Maritime Earwig

A wingless earwig found in coastal habitats, living under driftwood and seaweed on beaches. It is dark brown to black with robust forceps.

πŸ’‘

Did You Know?

This earwig is one of the few insects adapted to the harsh intertidal zone, tolerating brief submersion in saltwater.

How to Identify Maritime Earwig

Maritime Earwig (Anisolabis maritima) belongs to the order Dermaptera, family Anisolabididae. Adults typically measure 18-25 mm.

Maritime Earwig Habitat

Maritime Earwig is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Maritime Earwig Diet and Feeding

Maritime Earwig has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.

Where Is Maritime Earwig Found?

Maritime Earwig can be found in Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania, where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Maritime Earwig can be found

Is Maritime Earwig Dangerous?

Maritime Earwig is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Maritime Earwig Role in Nature

Maritime Earwig plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Maritime Earwig are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime Earwig

What does Maritime Earwig look like?

The Maritime Earwig typically measures 18-25 mm.

Where is Maritime Earwig found?

The Maritime Earwig is found in Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.

What does Maritime Earwig eat?

The Maritime Earwig has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.

Is Maritime Earwig dangerous to humans?

The Maritime Earwig is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Maritime Earwig?

This earwig is one of the few insects adapted to the harsh intertidal zone, tolerating brief submersion in saltwater.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Maritime Earwig (Anisolabis maritima). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/maritime-earwig

MLA:
"Maritime Earwig." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/maritime-earwig.