Though Maritime Earwigs live by the ocean, they avoid the water, sweeping the coastline for food instead.
The habitat of the Maritime Earwig is uncommon for most insects. The close proximity to bays and the coast would be risky considering insects usually drown if they get caught in water. This species does not swim, but it hunts along the wet sand for insects to eat. They hunt at night, walking the beach for small insects, any freshly laid insect eggs, and dead arthropods that drift onshore. It is most often seen in areas around high tide, making it almost seaworthy for an insect.
Female Maritime Earwigs lay their eggs under driftwood or pieces of bark found on the sand. They guard these burrows and, when the eggs hatch, they feed their young until they reach maturity and leave. This hardy little insect is active as long as the temperature is above freezing. It can tolerate a level of cold that most other insects need shelter from or die.
Scientific Name: Anisolabis maritima
Other Name(s): Seaside Earwig
Size (Adult; Length): 16mm to 25mm (0.62in to 0.98in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.