About Spine-Tailed Earwig
A slender earwig found in cornfields and grassy habitats across eastern North America. It shelters in the leaf whorls of corn and other tall grasses.
Did You Know?
Farmers consider this earwig beneficial because it preys heavily on corn earworm eggs and aphids in crop fields.
How to Identify Spine-Tailed Earwig
Spine-Tailed Earwig (Doru aculeatum) belongs to the order Dermaptera, family Forficulidae. Adults typically measure 10-14 mm.
Spine-Tailed Earwig Habitat
Spine-Tailed Earwig is found in farmland habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Spine-Tailed Earwig Diet and Feeding
Spine-Tailed Earwig is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Spine-Tailed Earwig Found?
Spine-Tailed Earwig can be found in North America, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Spine-Tailed Earwig can be found
Is Spine-Tailed Earwig Dangerous?
Spine-Tailed 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.
Spine-Tailed Earwig Role in Nature
Spine-Tailed Earwig is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Spine-Tailed Earwig
What does Spine-Tailed Earwig look like?
The Spine-Tailed Earwig typically measures 10-14 mm.
Where is Spine-Tailed Earwig found?
The Spine-Tailed Earwig is found in North America and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Spine-Tailed Earwig eat?
The Spine-Tailed Earwig feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Spine-Tailed Earwig dangerous to humans?
The Spine-Tailed Earwig is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Spine-Tailed Earwig?
Farmers consider this earwig beneficial because it preys heavily on corn earworm eggs and aphids in crop fields.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Spine-Tailed Earwig (Doru aculeatum). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/spine-tailed-earwig
MLA:
"Spine-Tailed Earwig." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/spine-tailed-earwig.