Earwigs
Common earwig, Forficula auricularia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Subphylum: Hexapoda Class: Insecta Order: Dermaptera De Geer, 1773
Families
Suborder Archidermaptera Download high resolution version (650x820, 32 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Families Suborder Archidermaptera    extinct Suborder Forficulina    Pygidicranidae    Diplatyidae    Anisolabididae    Labiduridae    Apachyidae    Spongiphoridae    Chelisochidae    Forficulidae Suborder Hemimerina    Hemimeridae Suborder Arixenina    Arixeniidae The earwigs are an order (Dermaptera) of insects characterized by large membraneous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings (thus the literal name of the order - skin wings). The abdomen extends... Scientific classification or biological classification is a method by which biologists group and categorize species of organisms. ... For other uses, see Animal (disambiguation). ... Subphyla and Classes Subphylum Trilobitomorpha Trilobita - trilobites (extinct) Subphylum Chelicerata Arachnida - spiders,scorpions, etc. ... Classes & Orders Class Insecta (insects) Class Entognatha The subphylum Hexapoda (from the Greek for six legs) constitutes the largest (in terms of number of species) grouping of arthropods and includes the insects as well as three much smaller groups of wingless arthropods: Collembola, Protura, and Diplura. ... Orders Subclass Apterygota Archaeognatha (bristletails) Thysanura (silverfish) Monura - extinct Subclass Pterygota Infraclass Paleoptera (may be paraphyletic) Ephemeroptera (mayflies) Palaeodictyoptera - extinct Megasecoptera - extinct Archodonata - extinct Diaphanopterodea - extinct Protodonata - extinct Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) Infraclass Neoptera Superorder Exopterygota Caloneurodea - extinct Titanoptera - extinct Protorthoptera - extinct Grylloblattodea (ice-crawlers) Mantophasmatodea (gladiators) Plecoptera (stoneflies) Embioptera... Portrait of Charles de Geer. ... extinct Suborder Forficulina Pygidicranidae Diplatyidae Anisolabididae Labiduridae Apachyidae Spongiphoridae Chelisochidae Forficulidae Suborder Hemimerina Families Suborder Archidermaptera extinct Suborder Forficulina Pygidicranidae Diplatyidae Anisolabididae Labiduridae Apachyidae Spongiphoridae Chelisochidae Forficulidae Suborder Hemimerina Hemimeridae Suborder Arixenina Arixeniidae The order (Dermaptera) of insects characterized by large membraneous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings (thus the literal name of the order - skin wings). The abdomen extends well beyond the... Forficulidae is a family of earwigs, in the suborder Forficulina in the order Dermaptera. ... Hemimeridae Suborder Arixenina Arixeniidae

Earwig is the common name given to the insect order Dermaptera characterized by membranous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings (hence the literal name of the order—"skin wings"). The abdomen extends well beyond the wings, and frequently, though not always, ends in a pair of forceps-like cerci. With about 1,800 recorded species in 10 families, the order is relatively small among Insecta. Earwigs are, however, quite common globally. There is no evidence that they transmit disease or otherwise harm humans or other animals, despite their nickname pincher bug. Earwig Music Company also known as Earwig Records is an independent blues music record label in Chicago, Illinois. ... Orders Subclass Apterygota Archaeognatha (bristletails) Thysanura (silverfish) Monura - extinct Subclass Pterygota Infraclass Paleoptera (may be paraphyletic) Ephemeroptera (mayflies) Palaeodictyoptera - extinct Megasecoptera - extinct Archodonata - extinct Diaphanopterodea - extinct Protodonata - extinct Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) Infraclass Neoptera Superorder Exopterygota Caloneurodea - extinct Titanoptera - extinct Protorthoptera - extinct Grylloblattodea (ice-crawlers) Mantophasmatodea (gladiators) Plecoptera (stoneflies) Embioptera... In scientific classification used in biology, the order (Latin: ordo, plural ordines) is a rank between class and family (termed a taxon at that rank). ... Wing structure of a dragonfly (family Gomphidae) Insect wings are outgrowths of the insect exoskeleton that enable insects to fly. ... The abdomen is a part of the body. ... Plastic forceps are intended to be disposable Forceps are a handheld, hinged instrument used for grasping and holding objects. ... A common earwig with large cerci in the background. ...

Earwig may also be used as a verb to mean: "to fill the mind with prejudice by insinuations" or "to attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk".^[1] For with(out) prejudice in law, see Prejudice (law). ... An innuendo is a figure of speech which indicates an indirect or subtle, usually derogatory implication in expression; an insinuation. ... Look up argument in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Etymology

Earwig from Australia compared to a CF card—63 mm.

The name earwig comes from Old English eare "ear" and wicga "insect". It is fancifully related to the notion that earwigs burrow into the brains of humans through the ear and therein lay their eggs.^[2] This belief, however, is false. Nevertheless, being exploratory and omnivorous, earwigs probably do crawl into the human ear; even if they are only looking for a humid crevice in which to hide, such behavior provides a memorable basis for the name.^[3] Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2048x1536, 1202 KB) Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Earwig Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create or digitize it. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2048x1536, 1202 KB) Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Earwig Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create or digitize it. ... CompactFlash (CF) was originally a type of data storage device, used in portable electronic devices. ... A millimetre (American spelling: millimeter, symbol mm) is an SI unit of length that is equal to one thousandth of a metre. ... Old English (also called Anglo-Saxon[1], Old English: ) is an early form of the English language that was spoken in parts of what is now England and southern Scotland between the mid-fifth century and the mid-twelfth century. ...

Physiology

Most earwigs are elongate, flattened, and are dark brown. Lengths are mostly in the 10–14 mm range, with the St. Helena earwig reaching 80 mm. Cerci range from nonexistent to long arcs up to one-third as long as the rest of the body. As in other orthopteroid insects, mouthparts are adapted for chewing. When earwigs have wings (are not agnathous), the hindwings are folded in a complex fashion, so that they fit under the forewings. Earwigs rarely fly. Binomial name Labidura herculeana (Fabricius, 1798) The St. ... Hindwings are the second (caudal) pair of insect wings. ... The more forward of the two pairs of wings of an insect. ...

Female (cerci not hooked).

The abdomen of the earwig is flexible and muscular. It is capable of maneuvering as well as opening and closing of the forceps. The forceps are used for a variety of purposes. In some species, the forceps have also been observed in use for holding prey, and in copulation. The forceps tend to be more curved in males than in females. cam-cordered myself Bug in a glass jar, horizontally on the tin-looking cover of my laptop. ... cam-cordered myself Bug in a glass jar, horizontally on the tin-looking cover of my laptop. ... Prey can refer to: Look up Prey in Wiktionary, the free dictionary A prey animal eaten by a predator in an act called predation. ... A pair of lions copulating in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. ...

Most earwigs found in Europe and North America are Forficula auricularia, the European earwig, which is distributed throughout the cooler parts of the northern hemisphere. They feed on other insects, plants, ripe fruit, and garbage. Plants they feed on typically include clover, dahlias, zinnias, butterfly bush, hollyhock, lettuce, strawberry, sunflowers, celery, peaches, plums, grapes, potatoes, roses, seedling beans and beets, and tender grass shoots and roots; they have also been known to eat corn silk, damaging the corn. Typically they are a nuisance because of their diet, but normally do not present serious hazards to crops. Some tropical species are brightly colored. Occasionally earwigs are confused with cockroaches because of their cerci and their long antennae. Earwigs are most active at night and can be seen patrolling household walls and ceilings. Interaction with earwigs at this time results in a defensive free fall to the ground below, and the subsequent scramble to a nearby cleft or crevice. Families Suborder Archidermaptera    extinct Suborder Forficulina    Pygidicranidae    Diplatyidae    Anisolabididae    Labiduridae    Apachyidae    Spongiphoridae    Chelisochidae    Forficulidae Suborder Hemimerina    Hemimeridae Suborder Arixenina    Arixeniidae The earwigs are an order (Dermaptera) of insects characterized by large membraneous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings (thus the literal name of the order - skin wings). The abdomen extends... Species See text Clover is my sisters name! Clover (Trifolium) is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the pea family Fabaceae. ... Species 30 species, 20,000 cultivars Dahlia is a genus of bushy, summer- and autumn-flowering, tuberous perennial plants native to Mexico, where they are the national flower. ... Species Zinnia acerosa Zinnia elegans Zinnia grandiflora Zinnia haageana Zinnia peruviana et al Zinnia is a genus of 20 species of annual and perennial plants of family Asteraceae, originally from scrub and dry grassland in an area stretching from the American Southwest to South America, but primarily Mexico, and notable... Species About 100 species, including: Buddleja albiflora Buddleja alternifolia Buddleja americana Buddleja asiatica Buddleja auriculata Buddleja australis Buddleja bhutanica Buddleja candida Buddleja colvilei Buddleja crispa Buddleja crotonoides Buddleja curviflora Buddleja davidii Buddleja delavayi Buddleja fallowiana Buddleja forrestii Buddleja globosa Buddleja indica Buddleja japonica Buddleja lindleyana Buddleja madagascariensis Buddleja marrubiifolia Buddleja... Species See text. ... Binomial name L. Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ... - Species 20+ species; see text The strawberry (Fragaria) is a genus of plants in the family Rosaceae, and the fruit of these plants. ... Sunflowers is also a painting by Vincent van Gogh. ... Binomial name L. Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ... Binomial name (L.) Batsch Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ... Species See text. ... Binomial name Solanum tuberosum L. The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a perennial plant of the Solanaceae, or nightshade, family, commonly grown for its starchy tuber. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Legume, Pulse (legume) and Fabaceae (Discuss) Green beans Bean is a common name for large plant seeds of several genera of Fabaceae (formerly Leguminosae) used for food or feed. ... Binomial name Carolus Linnaeus Beta vulgaris, commonly known as beet is a flowering plant species in the family Chenopodiaceae. ... Cut grass growing on in the Hudson River Park Grass is a common word that generally describes a monocotyledonous green plant in the family Poaceae. ... “Corn” redirects here. ... It has been suggested that Blattellidae be merged into this article or section. ...

Earwigs are also drawn to damp conditions. During the summer they can be found around sinks and in bathrooms. Earwigs tend to gather in shady cracks or openings or anywhere they can remain concealed in daylight hours. Picnic tables, compost and waste bins, patios, lawn furniture, window frames or anything with minute spaces can potentially harbour these unwanted residents. Upon gaining entry to the basement and living areas of the home, earwigs can easily find cover in undisturbed magazine and newspaper piles, furniture/wickerwork, base boards, carpeted stairways, pet food dishes, and even inside DVD cases and keyboards. Earwigs are inclined to take risks and are exploratory creatures but are overly unaware of the consequences and are often found trapped in poison baited cups or buckets of soapy water.

An earwig from the Western Ghats

Image File history File linksMetadata Earwig_iruppu. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Earwig_iruppu. ... The Agasthiyamalai range of the Western Ghats The Western Ghats are a mountain range in India. ...

Pest control

While earwigs can be considered in some ways a beneficial part of the garden, they can become a nuisance because of their diet. Since they prefer cool, moist places, a rolled up damp newspaper placed where earwig activity is suspected can be effective in collecting them. The newspaper can then either be discarded or shaken out. Placing diatomaceous earth in key spots around the home (bathroom, baseboards, window frames) can be a long-term repellent. A sample of diatomaceous earth Diatomaceous earth (IPA: , also known as DE, diatomite, diahydro, kieselguhr, kieselgur and Celite) is a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. ...

Another method of removing earwigs is by utilizing their attraction to vegetable oil. Putting vegetable oil in a pie tin and burying it up to the rim of the tin is an effective way of capturing them. Another effective method of earwig control is to take steps to control the population before they hatch by removing rotting underbrush and spraying with commercially available insecticidal nematodes, which invade the earwigs in their nymphal stage and infect them with a lethal bacterium. Classes Adenophora    Subclass Enoplia    Subclass Chromadoria Secernentea    Subclass Rhabditia    Subclass Spiruria    Subclass Diplogasteria The roundworms (Phylum Nematoda) are one of the most common phyla of animals, with over 20,000 different described species. ...

References

• Grimaldi, D. and Engel, M.S. (2005). Evolution of the Insects. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-82149-5. 
• J. D. Taylor (1978). The earwig: the truth about the myth. Rocky Mountain Medical Journal 75: 37–38. 
• http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/veg/european_earwig.htm
• http://www.bartleby.com/65/ea/earwig.html
• http://www.cascadepest.com/pest.htm#earwigs
• http://www.islington.gov.uk/DownloadableDocuments/Environment/Pdf/pestearwig.pdf
• http://www.eartheasy.com/live_natpest_control.htm
• Harvard University fact sheet on earwigs

1. ^ dictionary.com: earwig
2. ^ Oxford English Dictionary on "Earwig".
3. ^ http://www.tolweb.org/Dermaptera

David Grimaldi (entomologist) (born September 22, 1957) is an entomologist and Curator of Invertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. ... Michael S. Engel (born 24 September 1971 in Creve Coeur, Missouri) is a paleontologist and entomologist. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The headquarters of the Cambridge University Press, in Trumpington Street, Cambridge. ... The Oxford English Dictionary print set The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a dictionary published by the Oxford University Press (OUP), and is the most successful dictionary of the English language, (not to be confused with the one-volume Oxford Dictionary of English, formerly New Oxford Dictionary of English, of...

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Dermaptera

• Tree of Life info for Dermaptera
• CSIRO Dermaptera page
• "Earwigs eat through your brain" urban legend debunked
• What's That Bug's Earwig Page
• Harvard University information on earwigs