Hemimerina

Definition

A former suborder of earwigs (Dermaptera) containing the single family Hemimeridae, now reduced in rank to superfamily Hemimeroidea within the suborder Neodermaptera. The group comprises small, blind, viviparous earwigs that are ectoparasites of African rodents, exhibiting extreme morphological specialization including reduced eyes, elongate antennae, and grasping tarsi adapted for clinging to host fur.

Etymology

From Hemimerus (type genus, from Greek hēmi- 'half' + meros 'part') + -ina (suborder suffix).

Example

Hemimerina was formerly ranked as a suborder distinct from Forficulina (free-living earwigs), but molecular and morphological studies led to its reclassification as the superfamily Hemimeroidea, reflecting its derived position within Neodermaptera rather than a deep divergence from other earwig lineages.

Synonyms

• Hemimeroidea

Related Terms

• Neodermaptera
• Hemimeridae
• Forficulina
• Dermaptera
• ectoparasitism
• viviparity

Usage Notes

Historical usage: pre-2000s literature treats Hemimerina as a suborder coordinate with Forficulina and Arixeniina. Modern usage: the group is treated as superfamily Hemimeroidea, with Hemimeridae as its sole family. The change reflects recognition that hemimerid specializations are derived within Neodermaptera, not primitive. When reading older taxonomic works, 'Hemimerina' indicates the earwig-parasite lineage, not a current formal rank.