The antennae gain segments in progressive instars. The forceps of both sexes are straight. Earwigs occur throughout North America, but tend to be more common in the southern and southwestern states. Few earwigs successfully overwinter outdoors in northern states. The earwig diet is highly variable.
European earwigs feed at night on the foliage of various flowers and garden plants.
Most species prey on other insects and supplement their diet with decaying organic matter found in soil or garbage. In addition to consuming aphids, beetle larvae, and maggots, earwigs also eat seeds of grain. Though large populations may do direct damage to grass by feeding on it, earwigs are mainly a nuisance pest just because of their presence. They crawl into anything that is on the ground - a garment, golf bag, flower pot, etc. If trapped or touched, earwigs quickly pinch the offender with their forceps.