Striped earwigs
The family Labiduridae belongs to the order Dermaptera. These insects are easily recognized by their forceps-like cerci located at the end of the abdomen. While they are often considered beneficial predators that feed on other small insects, some species in this family become pests when their population density exceeds economic thresholds in agricultural settings.
What the section contains
Striped earwigs
They damage a wide range of crops, including vegetables, grains, and fruits. Key targets include seedlings of potatoes, sugar beets, and soft fruits like strawberries and peaches. In ornamental gardens, they feed on flower petals and young foliage, causing significant aesthetic damage and reducing the overall vigor of the plants.
The life cycle involves incomplete metamorphosis. Labiduridae females are known for their maternal care; they guard their egg clutches in soil burrows and stay with the nymphs during the early stages of development. Nymphs resemble miniature versions of adults, lacking fully developed wings, and they thrive in moist, dark environments.
The damage caused by these pests is typically inflicted by their chewing mouthparts. They leave deep, irregular holes in fruits, stems, and roots. Beyond direct feeding, their presence facilitates the entry of fungal and bacterial pathogens, which rapidly colonize the injured tissues and lead to rot or premature senescence of the affected plant parts.
Effective management strategies combine cultural practices and chemical control. Maintaining a clean field environment by removing debris and vegetation piles is crucial to eliminate their hiding spots. When chemical intervention is necessary, the application of targeted insecticides or the use of physical traps, such as moistened cardboard or rolled paper, can significantly reduce their impact on crops.