Apterygida media (Hagenbach, 1822)
Short-winged or Hop-garden Earwig
Taxonomy:
- Dermaptera›Forficulidae›Apterygida media
Status:
Distribution
 |
Recordings
Colours show the year of the last record -
| up to 1987 | 1988-97 | 1998 up to present |
Only Recording Scheme datasets are included. Other datasets on the Gateway may hold additional information.
Description:
Reddish brown with yellow legs. Slightly smaller than the Common Earwig, and it is light brown all over. In contrast to the Common Earwig, the species also lacks a tooth on the inside of the pincers in both sexes. Females are very similar to Forficula lesnei.
Size:
Wings:
Hind wings are only tiny lobes and it is flightless.
Food:
Includes petals.
Habitat:
Leaf litter in woodlands. It also climbs into trees and shrubs and may be found in flowerheads. Formerly common in hop gardens of Kent but have declined.
Phenology:
Active all year around except during periods of frost. Adults present from August to September but they are nocturnal.