Explanation of Names
Labia minor (Linnaeus 1758)
minor = 'smaller, lesser'
BL including forceps rarely exceeds 7 mm(1)
; 4-7 mm(2)
Small, pubescent all over the body & appendages, tan-colored, easily flying; female with forceps closed may look like a rove beetle (Staphylinidae)(1)
Male forceps symmetrical, with several small teeth internally:
North and south temperate zones around the world; widespread in NA and ranges farther north (into BC & PQ) than any other earwig(1)
L. minor is very likely an established adventive species. However, records to document this are very poor and, if truly introduced, then it became established and widespread a very long time ago. The first US record I know of is from around 1838, but it was likely already here for some time prior to that. Given its ubiquity and long history in the Nearctic (and other areas of the world), it is now effectively 'native' everywhere. (M.S. Engel, pers. comm. to =v= 21.v.2010)
Around manure and on flowers; often numerous under debris and manure taken in flight or at lights(1)(3)
, decaying plant material
Uses its forceps to comb out the wings(1)
NB: searching for "Labia minor" is possibly NSFO (not safe for office), so add the word 'Dermaptera' to your search...