Chelidurella

Chelidurella is a genus of insects belonging to the order Dermaptera and the family Forficulidae, commonly known as earwigs. These nocturnal pests are elusive, typically hiding in moist, dark crevices or soil debris during the day, which makes them particularly difficult to detect in early infestation stages.

The pest has a wide range of host plants, including various vegetables, small fruits, and ornamental plants. They are opportunistic feeders that target soft plant tissues, such as emerging shoots, flower buds, and ripening fruits, often concentrating on crops that grow close to the ground.

The biology of the species follows a hemimetabolous life cycle, consisting of egg, nymph, and adult stages. Females exhibit parental care by guarding their eggs in soil nests until hatching. Populations thrive in environments with high humidity and abundant organic matter, which provides both food and shelter.

The economic impact of Chelidurella is observed through ragged, irregular holes in foliage and deep gouges in fruits. Beyond direct consumption, these wounds often attract secondary fungal or bacterial pathogens, causing rapid decay of the produce and significantly reducing the marketable value of the harvest.

Control strategies should focus on integrated pest management (IPM) practices to minimize chemical intervention. Recommended steps include maintaining clean cultivation by removing plant debris, implementing moisture management to reduce humidity levels, and utilizing biological or targeted chemical controls if population thresholds are exceeded.