Common Earwig
Forficula auricularia
Forficulidae • Dermaptera
Despite their fearsome pincers, these insects are gentle gardeners of the city, hiding under park benches and helping decompose organic matter in urban green spaces.
Found in Cities
Identification Features
- Prominent pincers (cerci)
- Flattened brown body
- Short wing covers
- Nocturnal habits
Behavior & Ecology
Omnivorous scavenger, active at night, maternal care of young
Urban Habitats
Conservation Status
Related Species
Rose Chafer
Cetonia aurata
A jewel among beetles, shimmering on Warsaw's summer roses, pollinating city gardens between the rush of buses. These metallic green beetles are often seen feeding on flowers in urban parks.
View Details
House Centipede
Scutigera coleoptrata
Swift hunters of the urban underground, these many-legged predators patrol building foundations and basement corners, keeping other pest populations in check.
View Details
Medieval Stone Beetle
Crypticus quisquilius
Found exclusively in Krakow's ancient architecture, these beetles have adapted to life in centuries-old stone crevices, creating a unique urban ecosystem tied to human history.
View Details