There are about 2000 species of known earwigs. Most earwigs are omnivorous but some eat only plants while others prefer decaying material. Earwigs are nocturnal. They spend their days tucked into crevices, under rocks, under logs, and under bark of trees. Adults will overwinter in the soil. Earwig females care for the eggs and their young through the first instar, which is somewhat unusual in the insect world.
Forfidulidae (Common Earwigs)
Forficula auricularia – European Earwig
We have several native species and a couple of different families in North America but these are often overlooked because of the ubiquitous European earwig.
This insect is a native of Europe, hence the name. It was introduced into North American in the early 1900s. They overwinter as adults. They are nocturnal and predatory, eating plants and other insects. They have become quite hated by gardeners for this foliage eating habit. They also tend to aggregate which can wipe out some nice plants. They will eat aphids and might be the only reason they are tolerated.
For more info:
BugGuide
Penn State has a fact sheet on them that has more info
