Earwigs
Dermaptera
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Dermaptera
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dermaptera: //dɜːrˈmæptərə//
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Images
Summary
Dermaptera, commonly known as earwigs, are a diverse order of insects characterized by their distinctive pincers, nocturnal behavior, and roles as scavengers and predators in their ecosystems. They exhibit unique mating and parental care behaviors rare among insects.
Physical Characteristics
Elongate, dorso-ventrally flattened body; cerci resembling forceps; forewings modified into short, leathery tegmina, membranous hindwings that fold in a unique fan-like manner.
Identification Tips
Easily recognized by the pair of large pincers (cerci) at the tip of the abdomen; adult males often have asymmetrical pincers, while females have uniform shapes throughout the order.
Habitat
Commonly found in warm climates; tend to hide in cool, dark places, such as under leaves, rocks, or bark, and may be found in soil.
Distribution
Abundant throughout the Americas and Eurasia; native species are limited in colder regions; introduced species are common in urban settings.
Diet
Omnivorous and scavenging; feed on plants, organic matter, and some species are almost exclusively carnivorous, aiding in soil pest control.
Life Cycle
Hemimetabolous development with incomplete metamorphosis through 4-6 molts; eggs hatch in about seven days; young aggregate and are cared for by the mother until their second molt.
Reproduction
Maternal care is exhibited; females create a chamber in the soil to lay approximately 20 to 80 eggs and guard them until hatching; some parasitic species are viviparous.
Predators
Birds, insectivorous mammals, amphibians, lizards, centipedes, spiders, and parasitic tachinid flies.
Ecosystem Role
Important in controlling soil pests; act as scavengers and predators in their ecosystems.
Economic Impact
Potential crop damage due to feeding on flowers and fruits; can cause economic losses in agriculture, particularly in fruits and vegetables.
Cultural Significance
Folklore concerning earwigs includes myths about them burrowing into human ears; referenced in literature and cultural anecdotes.
Health Concerns
Generally harmless to humans; may emit a foul-smelling liquid when disturbed, and misconceptions exist about their behavior towards humans.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collection in their hiding spots
- Setting traps in their habitats
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Drying and pinning specimens
Evolution
Earwigs are amongst the earliest diverging members of the Polyneoptera group; extant members date back to the Cretaceous.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Myths that earwigs can enter human ears and lay eggs; commonly believed their pincers are dangerous though they rarely harm humans.
Tags
- Dermaptera
- Earwigs
- Insects
- Entomology
- Nocturnal
- Scavengers