Earwigs are active at night. They usually hide in cracks, crevices, under bark or in similar places during the day. They are usually scavengers in their feeding habits, but occasionally feed on plants. The name earwig is derived from an old superstition that these insects enter peoples' ears. This idea is entirely unfounded because earwigs are harmless to man.
Some species have scent glands from which they can squirt a foul-smelling liquid.
The striped earwig adults are dark brown with light tan markings. The males are large and robust with stout pincers. The females are somewhat smaller and lighter in color than the males. These earwigs are in areas having sandy or clay soils, and it lives in subterranean burrows or under debris. They are usually found outdoors unless populations are large or other conditions are adverse.