Earwigs

Of the 1800 species living on earth, only 8 species live in Germany. Earwigs are generally said to have damaging feeding characteristics. It is certainly the case that, as omnivores, they eat soft parts of plants and can therefore occasionally contribute to damage.

In principle, however, it should be regarded as a beneficial insect, since as an exterminator of aphids and caterpillars it contributes to the containment of real pests. The myth that it can pinch through the eardrum of the ear should not be believed as its tools are far too weak for this. Consequently, it is also unable to damage stronger plant parts. Instead, it uses existing feeding tunnels of caterpillars and other pests.