Looking for information on keeping earwigs.

GiantVinegaroon · Mar 30, 2009

So I've become fascinated with Dermaptera and have been planning on keeping some earwigs of my own. Do they need any specialized care requirements? And can I keep more than one in the same container?

Matt K · Mar 30, 2009

Keep them just like roaches, except that you have to have substrate of some sort (not an option like with roaches). They eat just about anything it seems, and you will have more than you know what to do with.

GiantVinegaroon · Mar 30, 2009

Matt K said:
Keep them just like roaches, except that you have to have substrate of some sort (not an option like with roaches). They eat just about anything it seems, and you will have more than you know what to do with.

Nice! What kind of substrate?

Matt K · Mar 30, 2009

Whatever works for you. I have had them thrive in both Eco-earth and Cypress mulch, and a mix of both plus a little sphagnum moss mixed in. Once you get them going you cannot stop them. I ultimately tossed them all into a fire- substrate and all.

blazetown · Mar 30, 2009

Yeah they're another "pest" species. In my garden they even eat what they aren't supposed to eat and their favorite plant to munch can change yearly.

GiantVinegaroon · Mar 31, 2009

blazetown said:
Yeah they're another "pest" species. In my garden they even eat what they aren't supposed to eat and their favorite plant to munch can change yearly.

Well from what I've learned, earwigs will eat anything. I also hear they're more of a pest out on the West coast as opposed to here in the East.

blazetown · Apr 1, 2009

I think they most reproduce better in a humid environment. While gardening or digging for other bugs you can find them in large balls of individuals buried slightly beneath the ground. I don't know if this is communal activity or breeding activity though.

GiantVinegaroon · Apr 1, 2009

blazetown said:
I think they most reproduce better in a humid environment. While gardening or digging for other bugs you can find them in large balls of individuals buried slightly beneath the ground. I don't know if this is communal activity or breeding activity though.

Sure it's not babies with their momma? She looks after the young.

blazetown · Apr 1, 2009

It is highly possible, but I've seen them balled up in large numbers of what I thought were adults in dry soil. Maybe a humidity thing?

GiantVinegaroon · Apr 3, 2009

blazetown said:
It is highly possible, but I've seen them balled up in large numbers of what I thought were adults in dry soil. Maybe a humidity thing?

that would make sense. i dont think they're incredibly gregarious with each other

Looking for information on keeping earwigs.

GiantVinegaroon

Arachnoprince

Matt K

Arachnoangel

GiantVinegaroon

Arachnoprince

Matt K

Arachnoangel

blazetown

Arachnodemon

GiantVinegaroon

Arachnoprince

blazetown

Arachnodemon

GiantVinegaroon

Arachnoprince

blazetown

Arachnodemon

GiantVinegaroon

Arachnoprince