Forficulidae

Definition

A family of earwigs (order Dermaptera) encompassing more than 70 genera and over 500 described species, making it one of the largest and most widely distributed families in the order. Members typically possess well-developed, forceps-like cerci and exhibit diverse ecological habits ranging from detritivory to predation and herbivory. The family includes several subfamilies: Allodahliinae, Anechurinae, and Chelidurinae.

Etymology

From the genus name Forficula (Latin forficula, diminutive of forfex 'shears, scissors', referring to the pincer-like cerci) + the family suffix -idae.

Example

The common European earwig Forficula auricularia, a familiar garden inhabitant and occasional crop pest, belongs to Forficulidae and has been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Related Terms

• Dermaptera
• Cerci
• earwig
• Labiduridae
• Apterygida
• forceps
• Allodahliinae
• Anechurinae
• Chelidurinae

Usage Notes

Forficulidae is distinguished from other earwig families primarily by male genital morphology and cercal structure. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution but shows highest diversity in temperate and subtropical regions. Some authorities recognize additional subfamilies or have reclassified certain genera; taxonomic boundaries remain under revision. Not to be confused with Forficulidae as a historical or misspelled reference to other dermapteran families.