Dermaptera

de Geer, 1773

Earwigs

Family Guides

5

comprise the insect order , with approximately 2,000 in 12 . They are distinguished by forceps-like at the tip and hindwings folded beneath short forewings, giving rise to the order name meaning 'skin wings.' Most species are , hiding in dark moist places during daylight. While some groups are tiny lacking typical pincers, the majority are free-living and found on all continents except Antarctica.

Forficula by (c) Gilles Gonthier, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Doru aculeatum by (c) Summit Metro Parks, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Summit Metro Parks. Used under a CC-BY license.Doru by (c) Diogo Luiz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Diogo Luiz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dermaptera: //dɜːrˈmæptərə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Readily identified by the pair of prominent forceps-like appendages () at the tail end of the body. Males typically have curved cerci, females straighter. When wings are visible, the large pleated hindwings distinguish from superficially similar beetles or rove beetles. The combination of cerci plus wing structure separates from all other insect orders.

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Habitat

Diverse including forested areas, leaf litter, under bark, in soil crevices, and among decaying plant matter. Many favor dark, moist microhabitats: beneath rocks, logs, bark crevices, mulch, and in curled dried leaves. Some species climb vegetation and trees. Urban and agricultural environments support introduced species.

Distribution

Global distribution across all continents except Antarctica. Predominantly tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. Approximately 2,000 worldwide; 29 species documented in Singapore, about 1,600 species in California (context note: this appears to be conflated data in source).

Seasonality

Activity patterns vary by and climate; many temperate species active spring through fall. European earwig (Forficula auricularia) nymphs and climb trees to feed during spring flush months (March through May in California). activity predominates across the order.

Diet

Highly variable across and . Some species are omnivores consuming living and dead plant material, flowers, green foliage, and soft fruit. Others are feeding on soft-bodied insects including aphids, insect , and mites. Some are . The European earwig Forficula auricularia has been documented feeding on both azalea lace bug nymphs and marigold foliage, demonstrating combined predatory and herbivorous habits.

Host Associations

  • Asian corn borer - preyTarget pest for by predatory Nala lividipes and Euborellia annulata

Life Cycle

Development includes , nymphal, and stages. Females construct nests and exhibit parental care of eggs and nymphs in many . Eggs are cleaned and moved to maintain proper temperature and humidity. Nymphs are guarded and fed by mothers following hatch. Duration of parental care varies among species.

Behavior

Primarily , seeking dark moist shelters during daylight. used for defense, mating, and prey capture; pinches are typically surprising rather than painful. Some can spray irritating benzoquinones from abdominal glands when held by attackers. Parental care including nest construction and /nymph guarding is well-documented in Forficula auricularia and other species.

Ecological Role

Mixed functional roles: some act as agents preying on agricultural pests including aphids and insect ; others are horticultural or agricultural pests damaging seedlings, soft fruit, and ornamental plants. Detritivorous species contribute to decomposition. The majority of species are not directly associated with human activities.

Human Relevance

European earwig (Forficula auricularia) is in North America, causing damage to citrus, stone fruit, strawberries, sweet corn, and ornamental flowers. Trapping methods include rolled newspaper, bamboo tubes, or oil-based traps baited with soy sauce, bacon grease, or fish oil. Some are considered beneficial in . Old urban legend of entering human ears to lay has been largely debunked, though two documented cases of earwigs entering ears exist.

Similar Taxa

  • Rove beetles (Staphylinidae)Similar elongated body form with short forewings, but lack forceps-like and have different wing venation and structure
  • Beetles (Coleoptera)Some beetles have hardened forewings, but all lack the characteristic forceps-like and have different wing folding mechanisms

Misconceptions

The '' derives from an old urban legend that these insects crawl into human ears to lay . This has been largely debunked, though two documented cases of earwigs entering human ears exist. The name more likely refers to the shape of the unfolded hindwing resembling a human ear.

More Details

Parental care

Among the most notable in is parental care. Mother tend in constructed nests, cleaning them and repositioning to maintain proper conditions. Following hatch, nymphs continue to be guarded and fed. Males participate in nest establishment in some . This level of is relatively uncommon among insects.

Chemical defense

In addition to mechanical defense using , some possess abdominal glands that produce irritating benzoquinones. These compounds can be sprayed on attackers while the earwig maintains grip with its pincers, creating an effective dual defense system.

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Sources and further reading