The adult earwig is about 1/4 inch to 1 inch long and has an elongated body. The earwig ranges in color from pale brown with dark markings to reddish brown to black. On its tail is a pincer: straight for females, curved for males.

Earwigs are nocturnal; during the day, they hide in moist, shady places – under stones, logs, even in mulch. Earwigs feed on living or dead plants, living or dead insects, and will occasionally damage vegetables, flowers, fruit, shrubs and trees. They also will dine on aphids, which makes them a beneficial predator.