Maritime earwig

The maritime earwig (Anisolabis maritima) belongs to the insect order Dermaptera and the family Anisolabididae. It is predominantly found in coastal environments, thriving in moist habitats rich in decaying organic matter, which serves both as a food source and a protective refuge.

This species is characterized by its flightless nature and strong maternal instincts, as females typically guard their eggs in underground nests. Their biological cycle involves incomplete metamorphosis, with nymphs resembling adults but lacking reproductive maturity. They are nocturnal and highly sensitive to desiccation, preferring humid environments throughout their development.

The maritime earwig acts as a pest by feeding on tender plant tissues, including seedlings, young roots, and emerging sprouts. In agricultural settings, particularly in coastal nurseries or garden plots, their presence can lead to significant crop loss as they often graze on the vital parts of vegetable crops and horticultural plants.

Damage is typically characterized by irregular, deep holes in foliage and severance of small stems or roots near the soil line. Because they congregate under debris during the day, their damage often goes unnoticed until the plant shows signs of wilting or stunted growth, making early detection a critical aspect of garden management.

Integrated pest management strategies are recommended to mitigate the impact of Anisolabis maritima. Key approaches include:

• Maintaining field hygiene by removing organic debris and weeds where earwigs harbor.
• Reducing soil moisture through improved drainage systems to make the environment less hospitable.
• Using trap boards or moistened materials as physical decoys, followed by the collection and disposal of trapped insects.
• Applying targeted insecticidal treatments only if cultural control methods prove insufficient.