DermapteraForficulidae – Common Earwigs2 data sources

Spine-tailed Earwig

Doru aculeatum

This record describes Doru aculeatum (species). Recorded family: Forficulidae. Recorded order: Dermaptera.

Identification and Appearance

Spine-tailed Earwig - Doru aculeatum
Recorded characteristics
Pattern and shape terms
  • wings
Activity terms
  • crawling
Other recorded terms
  • long
  • skinny
  • pinchers
  • pincers
  • golden

Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Dermaptera (Earwigs)
Family
Forficulidae (Common Earwigs)
Genus
Doru

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

About Earwigs: the wider group

Order-level background for Dermaptera, the group containing Doru aculeatum. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Dermaptera (earwigs) includes ~2,000 described species. Despite their fearsome-looking pincers (cerci), earwigs are harmless to humans. The name 'earwig' comes from the Old English 'earwicga' meaning 'ear creature' - an old superstition that they crawl into ears.

Ecological role of the group

Earwigs are among the few insect orders where mothers actively care for their eggs and young - female earwigs guard their eggs, clean them to prevent mold, and protect nymphs until their second molt.

Economic and practical significance of the group

Earwigs can be minor garden pests, feeding on seedlings and soft fruits, but they also consume large numbers of aphids and other pest insects, providing natural pest control.

Recorded sources for this group: Entomological research, University extension services. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Dermaptera families and species →

Photos of Spine-tailed Earwig (4)

Spine-tailed Earwig - photo 1
Spine-tailed Earwig - photo 2
Spine-tailed Earwig - photo 3
Spine-tailed Earwig - photo 4