Key Points:
- Do Earwigs Fly? No, they don’t actively fly despite having wings.
- Do Earwigs Have Wings? Yes, they have two sets of wings but rarely use them for flight.
- Why Don’t They Fly? Earwigs prefer crawling and hiding in dark, moist environments.
- Flight Muscles: Underdeveloped compared to other flying insects.
Earwigs, often referred to as pincher bugs, are intriguing pests that can appear both indoors and outdoors. Their pincers are their most defining feature, but many people also notice their wings and wonder if earwigs can fly. In this blog, we’ll answer two key questions: Do earwigs fly, and do earwigs have wings? By the end, you’ll understand why these pests stick closer to the ground rather than taking to the skies.
Do Earwigs Fly?
Bugboy52.40, German translation by Furfur, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Despite having wings, earwigs are not active fliers. Here’s why:
- Ground-Dwelling Preference: Earwigs are primarily ground insects and are more comfortable crawling through narrow spaces like cracks, crevices, and mulch.
- Limited Flight Ability: Even though they have wings, they seldom take flight. Their wings are used more for gliding or brief bursts of movement rather than sustained flight.
- Environmental Factors: Earwigs prefer dark, moist areas, which are not conducive to flying. They thrive in environments like under leaves, rocks, or mulch, where they don’t need to fly.
A study from the Journal of Insect Behavior explains that earwigs have evolved to use their wings minimally. This ground-based behavior makes earwigs unlikely to be seen flying, even when they possess the ability to glide short distances.
Do Earwigs Have Wings?
Yes, earwigs do have wings, but they rarely use them for flying. Here’s how their wings work:
- Two Sets of Wings: Earwigs possess two pairs of wings—short, leathery forewings and larger, membranous hindwings.
- Wing Folding: The hindwings are intricately folded under the forewings, which protect them when not in use.
- Gliding Ability: While they can expand their wings for gliding, they are not built for sustained flight like flies or mosquitoes.
A recent entomology study found that earwig wings are highly efficient for their rare gliding movements, but their body structure and behavior favor crawling.
Why Don’t Earwigs Fly Often?
There are several reasons earwigs don’t rely on their wings for flight:
- Flight Muscles: Earwigs have underdeveloped flight muscles compared to other flying insects, making them poor fliers.
- Nocturnal Habits: As nocturnal insects, earwigs spend most of their time in environments that don’t require flight, such as damp soil, mulch, or under debris.
- Defense Mechanism: Rather than using flight for escape, earwigs rely on their pincers to deter predators.
Their wings primarily serve a defensive purpose rather than aiding in daily movement, which is why you rarely see an earwig taking flight.
Earwigs vs. Other Flying Insects:
Earwigs may have wings, but they differ from common flying insects in significant ways:
- Flies and Mosquitoes: These insects rely on wings for movement and finding food, while earwigs do not.
- Wasps and Bees: Flight is essential for their survival, but earwigs thrive without flying.
- Movement Style: Earwigs prefer crawling and hiding rather than flying in search of food or shelter.
Because of these differences, it’s easy to mistake earwigs for other winged insects, but their behavior and movement set them apart.
Keeping Earwigs Out of Your Home
While earwigs have wings, they seldom take to the skies. Their preference for dark, moist environments and their ground-dwelling nature mean they’re more likely to crawl into your home through small cracks and crevices. To prevent these unwelcome guests:
- Seal Entry Points: Use caulk or weatherstripping to close gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.
- Reduce Moisture: Fix leaky pipes and use dehumidifiers to make your home less attractive to earwigs.
- Eliminate Hiding Spots: Remove mulch, leaf piles, and other debris from around your home’s exterior.
If earwigs have become a nuisance in your home, professional pest control services can provide effective solutions. Contact On Demand Pest Control today for a free inspection and take the first step toward a pest-free home.
Take control of your living space and keep earwigs where they belong—outdoors. Reach out to us now and let our experts help you safeguard your home.
