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The Insect Order Dermaptera contains the
earwigs. The name earwig comes from the Anglo-Saxon word
meaning "ear creature," probably because of the wide-spread
superstition that they crawl into the ears of sleeping people. The
order contains about 1,100 species. Earwigs are characterized by
large membranous hind wings that lie hidden under short, leathery
forewings. The earwig varies from .2 to 2 inches in length.
It is flat, slender and dark colored. It has a shiny outer
covering and simple biting mouth parts. It undergoes incomplete
metamorphosis (i.e. - egg, nymph, and adult stages). Earwigs are
nocturnal and usually herbivorous. It has a pair of horny,
forceps-like tail filaments, or pincers cerci at the posterior end of
the abdomen. It has been suggested that the pincers can be
used to catch small insects and them them while easting. |