Labidura riparia, the shore earwig, is a widespread species found across warm and temperate regions where it thrives in moist, sheltered environments. In the wild it is strongly associated with sandy coasts, river margins, ponds, farmland edges, and woodland debris, spending daylight hours hidden beneath stones, driftwood, or dense vegetation. Much of its life centres around burrowing, often in damp sand where it constructs its own tunnels or occupies those abandoned by mole crickets. These burrows provide stable humidity and protection for both adults and broods. The species is a generalist predator, hunting soft‑bodied insects, caterpillars, and eggs, and it plays a quiet but important role in natural pest control. Females show notable maternal behaviour: they guard their eggs, clean them to prevent fungal growth, and tend the early nymphs until they are ready to disperse. This combination of predation, burrowing, and parental care makes L. riparia an unusually dynamic earwig in the field.
 
In captivity, they adapt readily when their natural preferences are respected. A deep, diggable substrate—ideally a sand‑heavy mix kept partly moist—allows them to construct the burrows they rely on for security. Maintaining a moist/dry gradient mirrors the transitional habitats they occupy outdoors, while moderate ventilation prevents the enclosure from becoming stagnant. Temperatures around 20–24 °C suit them well, and surface hides such as bark, cork, and leaf litter recreate the debris they use for daytime shelter. Their predatory nature makes feeding simple: small insects such as crickets, roach nymphs, mealworms, or soft larvae are readily accepted, with occasional dry foods offered as enrichment. When breeding, females require stable humidity and minimal disturbance so they can establish a secure nest chamber and carry out their natural brood‑care behaviours. With these conditions in place, Labidura riparia becomes an active, engaging species that displays much of its wild behaviour in a captive setting.