Lesne's earwig

Lesne's earwig (Forficula lesnei) is an insect species belonging to the order Dermaptera and the family Forficulidae. Although often overlooked, this species is a significant pest in various gardening and agricultural settings. It thrives in temperate environments, typically seeking out moist and sheltered habitats where it can remain hidden during the daylight hours.

This species is polyphagous, meaning it feeds on a wide variety of plant materials. The damage is primarily inflicted on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of fruit trees, vegetables, and ornamental shrubs. Because they are active at night, their presence often goes undetected until significant damage to the plant's aesthetic or commercial value is already visible.

The life cycle of Forficula lesnei follows a hemimetabolous development process. Females are known for their maternal care, guarding their eggs in soil chambers to ensure successful hatching. The nymphs pass through several instars before reaching the adult stage. The pests typically overwinter in protected locations such as woodpiles, garden debris, or loose bark, emerging in the spring to begin their feeding cycle.

Damage caused by Lesne's earwig is characterized by irregular holes in foliage and feeding scars on fruit surfaces. Beyond the mechanical damage, the wounds created by these insects serve as entry points for various bacterial and fungal pathogens, potentially leading to fruit rot. High population densities can cause substantial losses in leafy crops and delicate floral tissues.

Managing Lesne's earwig requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to maintain population levels below the economic threshold. Key strategies include:

• Installing cardboard traps to capture insects during their diurnal resting phase.
• Removing debris and weeds that serve as daytime harborages near sensitive crops.
• Encouraging natural predators such as carabid beetles and birds within the garden ecosystem.
• Applying appropriate insecticidal treatments in the evening when the earwigs are actively foraging.