Black field earwig

Black field earwig eggs are laid from spring to autumn. Nymphal development through to adult takes all summer for eggs laid in spring, and finishes in the following spring for autumn laid eggs Shiny-black, elongated and flattened insects with a pair of forceps or pincers at the posterior end and wings held under wing covers. The males have two elongate projections (cerci) from the end of their abdomen while the female has three including an ovipositor for egg laying. The blackfield earwigs eat newly sown and germinating seed and the roots of crops, resulting in poor crop establishment.

Control

• Treat the seed with a recommended seed treatment (Guardian)