Forficulidae

Common Name

Earwigs

Overview

Forficulidae is a family within the order Dermaptera, commonly known as earwigs. This family contains a variety of species that are generally small to medium-sized insects, known for their distinctive pair of forceps-like cerci at the end of their abdomen.

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Insecta
  • Order: Dermaptera
  • Family: Forficulidae

Key Characteristics

  • Cerci: The forceps-like structures at the rear end of the abdomen, used for defense and mating.
  • Wings: Some species have wings while others are wingless; when present, the front pair is hardened and the hind pair is membranous.
  • Body Shape: Typically elongated and flattened.
  • Coloration: Varies from brown to black, with some species exhibiting red or yellowish markings.

Life Cycle

  • Metamorphosis: Simple or incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs in soil or leaf litter. Maternal care is common, with females guarding their eggs and young nymphs.
  • Nymph Stages: Several molts before reaching adult stage.

Behavior and Ecology

  • Habitat: Found in moist, shady environments such as under rocks, logs, or leaf litter.
  • Diet: Omnivorous; feed on a variety of plant and animal matter including detritus, fungi, and small invertebrates.
  • Nocturnal: Mostly active during the night.

Notable Species

  • Forficula auricularia: Common earwig; widespread and often encountered in gardens and homes.
  • Chelidurella acanthopygia: Known as the spine-tailed earwig, common in Europe.

Conservation

Forficulidae species are generally not considered endangered and have a wide distribution. They play a role in natural pest control and soil aeration.

Significance to Humans

  • Pest Control: Beneficial in gardens by feeding on pest insects.
  • Nuisance: Some species can cause minor damage to plants and are unwelcome in homes.

Fun Fact Section

  • Misconception: Earwigs do not crawl into human ears to lay eggs; this is a myth.
  • Etymology: The name "earwig" comes from the Old English “ēarwicga,” where "ēar" means ear and "wicga" means insect.
  • Maternal care: Female earwigs exhibit an unusual level of maternal care compared to other insects, protecting their eggs and young nymphs.
  • Forceps: The forceps can help identify the sex of the earwig; males generally have more curved and robust cerci than females.
  • Communication: Earwigs use their cerci to communicate during mating rituals and for defending territory.