If you’ve found a strange brown insect with a pair of pincers on its back end, there’s a good chance you’ve found an earwig.
For many homeowners, that first sighting can be alarming.
Those forceps look intimidating, and plenty of people immediately assume they’ve discovered something dangerous.
Fortunately, earwigs are actually one of the easiest household insects to identify.
Once you know what features to look for, they’re difficult to confuse with anything else.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to identify an earwig, what young earwigs look like, and the insects they’re most commonly mistaken for.
The Short Answer
Adult earwigs have several distinctive features that make them easy to recognize.
Look for these characteristics:
- A long, flattened body.
- Reddish-brown to dark brown coloring.
- Long, thread-like antennae.
- Six legs.
- A pair of forceps-like pincers at the end of the abdomen.
- A fast-running movement.
Most earwigs measure about ½ to ¾ inch long, although some species are smaller or larger. The pincers, called cerci, are the easiest way to identify them because no other common household insect has a similar pair of forceps on the end of its body.
The Pincers Are the Biggest Clue
If I only had one feature to identify an earwig, it would be the pincers.
Every earwig has a pair of hardened forceps, known as cerci, extending from the tip of its abdomen.
These pincers are used for:
- Defending against predators.
- Capturing small prey.
- Mating.
- Competing with other earwigs.
Although they look intimidating, they’re much less dangerous than they appear. Most earwigs would rather run away than use them against anything as large as a person.
Males and Females Don’t Look Exactly the Same
One interesting feature many people don’t realize is that male and female earwigs have different-looking pincers.
Male earwigs usually have:
- Larger pincers.
- More curved forceps.
- A heavier appearance.
Female earwigs usually have:
- Straighter pincers.
- Smaller forceps.
- A slimmer overall appearance.
This is one of the easiest ways to tell the sexes apart if you happen to find more than one earwig.
What Color Are Earwigs?
Most earwigs are some shade of brown.
Depending on the species and lighting, they may appear:
- Reddish-brown.
- Dark brown.
- Chestnut brown.
- Nearly black.
Many species also have lighter brown or yellowish legs, making the body stand out even more.
Do Earwigs Have Wings?
This surprises a lot of homeowners.
Yes, many earwig species have wings.
However, they’re rarely seen flying.
Their short, leathery forewings cover a second pair of folded wings underneath.
Even though they’re capable of flight, most earwigs prefer to run and hide instead, which is why people almost never see them in the air.
How Fast Do Earwigs Move?
If you’ve ever tried to catch an earwig, you’ve probably noticed they’re surprisingly quick.
When disturbed, earwigs almost always choose to run instead of fight.
They use their flattened bodies to squeeze beneath:
- Baseboards.
- Rocks.
- Mulch.
- Flower pots.
- Door thresholds.
- Small cracks and crevices.
This fast-moving behavior is one reason homeowners often only catch a brief glimpse before the insect disappears.
What Do Baby Earwigs Look Like?
Young earwigs, called nymphs, look very similar to adults.
Instead of going through a complete metamorphosis like butterflies or beetles, earwigs gradually grow larger with each molt.
Baby earwigs have:
- Long antennae.
- Six legs.
- Small pincers.
- A flattened body.
The biggest differences are that they’re much smaller, lighter in color, and their pincers aren’t as developed as those of adults. As they mature through several molts, they gradually darken and develop the larger forceps that make adult earwigs so recognizable.
Bugs Commonly Mistaken for Earwigs
Although earwigs have a unique appearance, homeowners still confuse them with several other insects.
Rove Beetles
Rove beetles are often mistaken for earwigs because they have long, narrow bodies.
The easiest difference is the tail.
Rove beetles don’t have pincers.
Instead, they often raise the tip of their abdomen like a tiny scorpion when disturbed.
Ground Beetles
Ground beetles are another common source of confusion.
Unlike earwigs, they have:
- Hard wing covers that completely cover the abdomen.
- No forceps at the rear.
- A broader body shape.
They’re also generally darker and shinier than most earwigs.
Small Cockroaches
Some people mistake earwigs for young cockroaches.
Fortunately, they’re easy to separate once you know what to look for.
Earwigs have:
- Obvious rear pincers.
- A long, narrow body.
- A flattened appearance.
Cockroaches have:
- An oval body.
- No rear forceps.
- A shield-like plate covering the head.
My Quick Identification Checklist
Whenever someone asks me to identify an earwig, I look for the same features every time.
If the insect has all of these characteristics, it’s almost certainly an earwig.
- Long, flattened brown body.
- Six legs.
- Long segmented antennae.
- A pair of forceps at the rear.
- Fast-running behavior.
- Usually found in damp or shaded locations.
Those rear pincers are the feature that separates earwigs from almost every other household insect.
If you’re still unsure whether you’ve found an earwig, my Everything You Need to Know About Earwigs guide explains their behavior, where they hide, and why they sometimes wander indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color are earwigs?
Most earwigs are reddish-brown to dark brown, although some species appear almost black or have lighter-colored legs.
How big are earwigs?
Most adult earwigs are between ½ and ¾ inch long, not including the pincers. Some species can be slightly smaller or larger.
Can earwigs fly?
Yes, many earwig species have wings hidden beneath short forewings, but they rarely fly. Most homeowners only see them running across the ground.
How can I tell an earwig from a cockroach?
The easiest way is to look at the back of the insect. Earwigs have a pair of obvious pincers, while cockroaches do not. Earwigs also have a much narrower, more elongated body. If the insect lacks pincers and has a broader body, compare it with this American cockroach identification guide.
I found an earwig in my house. What should I do?
One earwig usually isn’t a cause for concern, but repeated sightings often mean conditions around your home are attracting them. If you’re seeing them regularly, start by reading Why Do I Have Earwigs? Common Causes Explained. To monitor where they’re entering your home, I recommend the Catchmaster Spider & Insect Traps Indoor Sticky Glue Boards (12 Pack). I explain how to place them for the best results in my Best Indoor Bug Trap That Actually Works guide.
About the Author
Daniel Brooks is an urban entomology educator with more than 15 years of experience helping homeowners identify common household pests and understand why they’re invading their homes. He specializes in practical, science-backed prevention strategies and long-term pest control solutions that solve problems at their source.
