Cerci
Guides
Dermaptera
Earwigs
Earwigs comprise the insect order Dermaptera, with approximately 2,000 species in 12 families. They are distinguished by forceps-like cerci at the abdomen tip and hindwings folded beneath short forewings, giving rise to the order name meaning 'skin wings.' Most species are nocturnal, hiding in dark moist places during daylight. While some groups are tiny parasites lacking typical pincers, the majority are free-living and found on all continents except Antarctica.
Dicellurata
Forcepstails
Dicellurata is a suborder of Diplura, commonly called forcepstails, characterized by the presence of paired, forceps-like cerci at the posterior end. The group comprises at least 4 families and more than 170 described species. Members are small, eyeless hexapods that inhabit soil and leaf litter environments.
Paralabella curvicauda
Curve-tailed earwig
Paralabella curvicauda is a species of earwig in the family Spongiphoridae, characterized by its distinctive curved forceps (cerci) that give the species its name. The species has a broad distribution across the Neotropics, with extensive records throughout Brazil and presence in Africa, Australia, the Caribbean, and Middle America. Like other earwigs, it possesses the typical forceps-like cerci at the abdomen tip and exhibits hemimetabolous development.