Difference between revisions of "Earwig" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Images OK}}{{Approved}}{{Copyedited}}
 
{{Taxobox
 
{{Taxobox
| color = pink
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| name = Earwig
| name = Earwigs
+
|fossil_range=[[Jurassic]] to Recent
 
| image = Earwig on white background.jpg
 
| image = Earwig on white background.jpg
 
| image_width = 240px
 
| image_width = 240px
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| ordo = '''Dermaptera'''
 
| ordo = '''Dermaptera'''
 
| ordo_authority = [[Charles De Geer|De Geer]], 1773
 
| ordo_authority = [[Charles De Geer|De Geer]], 1773
| subdivision_ranks = Families
+
| subdivision_ranks = Suborder
 
| subdivision =  
 
| subdivision =  
'''Suborder Archidermaptera'''<br>
+
'''Archidermaptera '''<br/>
:''extinct''<br>
+
'''Forficulina'''<br/>
'''Suborder Forficulina'''<br>
+
'''Suborder Hemimerina'''<br/>
:[[Pygidicranidae]]<br>
+
'''Suborder Arixeniina'''<br/>
:[[Diplatyidae]]<br>
 
:[[Anisolabididae]]<br>
 
:[[Labiduridae]]<br>
 
:[[Apachyidae]]<br>
 
:[[Spongiphoridae]]<br>
 
:[[Chelisochidae]]<br>
 
:[[Forficulidae]]<br>
 
'''Suborder Hemimerina'''<br>
 
:[[Hemimeridae]]<br>
 
'''Suborder Arixenina'''<br>
 
:[[Arixeniidae]]
 
 
}}
 
}}
{{otheruses4|the insect Earwig|the record label|Earwig Music Company}}
+
''' Earwig''' is the common name for any of the [[insect]]s comprising the [[order (biology)|order]] '''Dermaptera''', characterized by chewing mouthparts, [[Metamorphosis#Insect metamorphosis|incomplete metamorphosis]], membranous [[insect wing|wings]] folded underneath short leathery forewings (tegmina), and an [[abdomen]] that extends well beyond the wings, and frequently, though not always, ends in a pair of [[forceps]]-like structures termed [[cercus|cerci]]. The order is relatively small among [[Insecta]], with about 1800 recorded species placed into three extant suborders (and one extinct suborder).  
'''Earwig''' is the common name given to the [[insect]] [[order (biology)|order]] '''Dermaptera''' characterized by membranous [[insect wing|wings]] folded underneath short leathery forewings (hence the literal name of the order—"skin wings"). The [[abdomen]] extends well beyond the wings, and frequently, though not always, ends in a pair of [[forceps]]-like [[cercus|cerci]]. With about 1,800 recorded species in 10 families, the order is relatively small among Insecta. Earwigs are, however, quite common globally. There is no evidence that they transmit disease or otherwise harm humans or other animals, despite their nickname ''pincher bug''.
 
  
'''Earwig''' may also be used as a verb to mean: "to fill the mind with [[prejudice]] by [[insinuation]]s" or "to attempt to influence by persistent confidential [[argument]] or talk".<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=earwig dictionary.com: ''earwig'']</ref>
+
Earwigs are quite common globally, with the exception of the [[polar regions]]. Their name is tied to a mistaken belief that they will crawl into a human ear and burrow into the [[brain]] to lay their eggs. In reality, there is no evidence that they transmit disease or otherwise harm humans or other animals&mdash;despite their nickname ''pincher bug.''
 +
{{toc}}
 +
Indeed earwigs provide important functions for the [[ecosystem]] and for humans. [[Ecology|Ecologically]], they consume a wide variety of plant and animal matter, including [[clover]], other insects, ripe [[fruit]], and garbage, while being consumed by various [[invertebrate]]s and [[vertebrate]]s. Members of the Hemimerina suborder feed on [[fungi]] on the skin of giant rats without harm to the [[rat]]s. For humans, they can be beneficial for a garden when they prey on other insects. They may also become a nuisance because of their habit of positioning themselves within leaves and feeding on soft plant tissues, or eating the blossoms of ornamental plants.  
  
==Etymology==
+
==Description==
[[Image:Dermaptera_fg1.jpg|thumb|left|275px|Earwig from Australia compared to a [[Compact Flash|CF]] card—63&nbsp;[[millimetre|mm]].]]
+
[[Image:Dermaptera fg1.jpg|thumb|left|275px|Two earwigs from Australia compared to a [[Compact Flash|CF]] card—63&nbsp;[[millimetre|mm]].]]
 +
 
 +
Although the suborders Hemimerina and Arixeniina are comprised of species that are wingless, as are some of the large suborder Forficulina (Von Ellenrieder 2004), earwigs typically are characterized by two pairs of [[wing]]s on the thorax. Of these, one pair is membranous [[insect wing|wings]] and is folded in a complex manner underneath short leathery forewings. The small pair of leathery forewings is called ''tegmina,'' and they cover only the first segments of the abdomen and leave the posterior of the abdomen exposed. The small, leathery tegmina give rise to the ordinal name of the order, Dermaptera, with the name ''Derma'' meaning "skin," and ''ptera'' meaning "wings"  (hence "skin wings") (Von Ellenrieder 2004). Most species of winged earwigs are capable of flight, yet earwigs rarely fly around.
 +
 
 +
Most earwigs are elongated, flattened, and are dark brown. Lengths are mostly in the quarter- to half-inch range (10 to 14 millimeters), with the [[Saint Helena giant earwig]] reaching three inches (80 millimeters). Antennae are thin, long, and filiform (Von Ellenrieder 2004). Mouthparts are designed for chewing, as in other orthopteroid insects. Some tropical species are brightly colored. Occasionally earwigs are confused with [[cockroach]]es because of their cerci and their long antennae.
 +
 
 +
[[Image:Earwig on tin.jpg|right|thumbnail|215px|Female (cerci not hooked).]]
 +
[[Image:Earwig iruppu.jpg|thumb|180px|right|An earwig from the [[Western Ghats]]]]
 +
[[Image:Forficula auricularia.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Common earwig]]
 +
 
 +
The abdomen of the earwig is flexible and muscular. There typically is an unsegmented, pincer-like cerci at the posterior end, which usually is straight in females and curved or asymmetrical in males (Von Ellenrieder 2004). Cerci range from nonexistent to long arcs up to one-third as long as the rest of the body. The cerci in the suborders Hemimerina and Arixeniina is filamentous (Von Ellenrieder 2004).
 +
 
 +
The flexible abdomen allows maneuvering as well as opening and closing the forceps. The forceps are used for a variety of purposes, such as opening the wings, grooming, and for defense (Von Ellenrieder 2004). In some species, the forceps have also been observed in use for holding [[prey]] and in [[copulation]].
 +
 
 +
==Distribution and habitat==
 +
 
 +
Earwigs are found worldwide, with the exception of the polar regions; their greatest diversity is in the tropics and subtropics (Von Ellenrieder 2004). The [[species]] ''[[Forficula auricularia]],'' the European or common earwig, is widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere.
 +
 
 +
In homes, the generally nocturnal earwigs can be seen patrolling household walls and ceilings at night. Interaction with earwigs at this time results in a defensive free fall to the ground below, and the subsequent scramble to a nearby cleft or crevice.
 +
 
 +
Earwigs are also drawn to damp conditions. During the summer, they can be found around sinks and in bathrooms. Earwigs tend to gather in shady cracks or openings or anywhere that they can remain concealed in daylight hours. Picnic tables, compost and waste bins, patios, lawn furniture, window frames, or anything with minute spaces (even [[artichoke]] blossoms) can potentially harbor earwigs. Upon gaining entry to the basement and living areas of the home, earwigs can easily find cover in undisturbed magazine and newspaper piles, furniture/wickerwork, base boards, carpeted stairways, pet food dishes, and even inside DVD cases and keyboards. Earwigs are exploratory creatures and are often found trapped in poison baited cups or buckets of soapy water.
 +
 
 +
==Behavior, diet, and reproduction==
 +
 
 +
Earwigs are generally [[Nocturnality|nocturnal]], hiding in dark areas during the day and being active at night.
 +
 
 +
Most species of earwigs are omnivorous, although some are mainly predacious, herbivorous, or scavengers (Von Ellenrieder 2004). Hemimerina feed on [[fungi]] and scruf growing on the skin of giant rats and Arixeniina feed on the secretions of bats and dead insects (Von Ellenrieder 2004). The common earwig feeds on other insects, plants, ripe fruit, and garbage. Plants that they feed on typically include [[clover]], [[dahlia]]s, [[zinnia]]s, [[butterfly bush]], [[hollyhock]], [[lettuce]], [[cauliflower]], [[strawberry]], [[sunflowers]], [[celery]], [[peach]]es, [[plum]]s, [[grapes]], [[potato]]es, [[rose]]s, seedling [[bean]]s and [[beet]]s, and tender [[grass]] shoots and roots; they have also been known to eat [[maize|corn]] silk, damaging the corn. Typically they are a nuisance because of their diet, but normally do not present serious hazards to crops.
  
The name ''earwig'' comes from [[Old English language|Old English]] ''eare'' "ear" and ''wicga'' "insect".  It is related to the fanciful notion that earwigs burrow into the brains of humans through the ear and therein lay their eggs.<ref>''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]'' on "Earwig".</ref> This belief, however, is false. Nevertheless, being exploratory and omnivorous, earwigs probably do crawl into the human ear; even if they are only looking for a humid crevice in which to hide, such behavior provides a memorable basis for the name.<ref>{{Citation
+
Members of Forficulina generally are oviparous, while members of hemimerina and Arixeniina are viviparous (Von Ellenrieder 2004).
|url=http://www.tolweb.org/Dermaptera
 
|title=Dermaptera &mdash; Earwigs
 
|author=Fabian Haas
 
|publisher=Tree of Life web project}}</ref>
 
  
Earwigging - also known as eavesdropping - means to overhear another's conversation.
 
 
==Classification==
 
==Classification==
Four suborders within the Dermaptera have been established:
+
Four suborders within the Dermaptera have been established, three of which are extant (Rankin and Palmer 2003):
<ref name=insecyc">Susan M. Rankin and James O. Palmer (pp. 297-299) in Resh, V. H. & R. T. Cardé (Editors) 2003. Encyclopedia of Insects. Academic Press.</ref>
+
 
* '''[[Archidermaptera]]''': Has a fossil record extending into the [[Jurassic]], with fossils from that period. These have unsegmented cerci and tarsi with 4-5 segments.
+
* '''[[Archidermaptera]]''': Has a fossil record extending into the [[Jurassic]], with fossils from that period. These have unsegmented [[cerci]] and tarsi with 4 to 5 segments.
* '''[[Forficulina]]''': The largest and most familiar group. The cerci are unsegmented, and modified into large, forcep-like structures.
+
* '''[[Forficulina]]''': The largest and most familiar group. The cerci are unsegmented, and modified into large, forcep-like structures.
* '''[[Hemimerina]]''': Represented by one genus, ''[[Hemimerus]]'', with filiform segmented cerci and are wingless, blind and viviparous and ectoparasitic on African rodents
+
* '''[[Hemimerina]]''': Represented by one genus, ''[[Hemimerus]],'' with filiform segmented cerci and are wingless, blind, and viviparous ectoparasites of African rodents
* '''[[Arixenina]]''': Represented by two genera, ''[[Arixenia]]'' and ''[[Xeniaria]]''As with Hemimerina, they are blind, wingless ectoparasites with filiform segmented cerci. They are ectoparasites of various Southeast Asian bats, particularly of the genus ''[[Cheiromeles]]'' (i.e., "naked bulldog bats").
+
* '''[[Arixenina]]''': Represented by two genera, ''[[Arixenia]]'' and ''[[Xeniaria]].'' As with Hemimerina, they are blind, wingless ectoparasites with filiform segmented cerci. They are ectoparasites of various Southeast Asian bats, particularly of the genus ''[[Cheiromeles]]'' (i.e., "naked bulldog bats").
 +
 
 +
==Etymology==
 +
''Earwig'' is derived from [[Old English language|Old English]] ''ēare'' for "ear," and ''wicga'' for "insect." (''Wicga'' is in turn related to ''wiggle,'' and ultimately to other words implying movement, including ''way'' and ''vehicle,'' all from [[Proto-Indo-European language|PIE]] *''wegh-''.)  The name comes from the [[old wives' tale]] that earwigs burrow into the brains of humans through the ear and therein lay their eggs. While earwigs are predisposed to hiding in warm humid crevices and as such one may crawl into a human ear canal, this is not a location where they are frequently found and regardless, they do not penetrate the tympanum and lay eggs in the brain (Haas 1996).
  
==Physiology==
+
Other languages have words based on the same premise: German ''Ohrwurm'' (also: ''Ohrkneifer,'' "ear pincher"), French ''perce-oreille,'' Danish ''ørentviste,'' [[Slovak language|Slovak]] ''ucholak'' (''ucho'' = ear, ''lak'' = scare), and Hungarian ''fülbemászó'' ("crawler-into-the-ear"). English has derived a verb from this, ''to earwig,'' meaning "to fill someone's mind with [[prejudice]] by [[insinuation]]s" or "to attempt to influence by persistent confidential [[argument]] or talk" (Random House 2006).
Most earwigs are elongated, flattened, and are dark brown. Lengths are mostly in the 10–14&nbsp;mm range, with the [[St. Helena earwig]] reaching 80&nbsp;mm. Cerci range from nonexistent to long arcs up to one-third as long as the rest of the body. As in other orthopteroid insects, mouthparts are adapted for chewing. When earwigs have wings (are not agnathous), the [[hindwing]]s are folded in a complex fashion, so that they fit under the [[forewing]]s. Earwigs rarely fly.
 
  
[[Image:Earwig_on_tin.jpg|left|thumbnail|215px|Female (cerci not hooked).]]
+
The German word ''Ohrwurm'' has the derived meaning "an annoying tune which I can't get out of my head." Hungarian also uses the phrase ''fülbemászó dallam'' with similar meaning as the German above, although without the negative overtones.
  
The abdomen of the earwig is flexible and muscular. It is capable of maneuvering as well as opening and closing of the forceps. The forceps are used for a variety of purposes. In some species, the forceps have also been observed in use for holding [[prey]], and in [[copulation]]. The forceps tend to be more curved in males than in females.  
+
==References==
 +
* Engel, M. S., and F. Haas. 2007. [http://www.bioone.org/perlserv/?request=get-abstract&doi=10.1206%2F0003-0082(2007)539[1%3AFNFED]2.0.CO%3B2 Family-group names for earwigs (Dermaptera)]. ''American Museum Novitates'' 3567: 1–20. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
  
Most earwigs found in Europe and North America belong to the [[species]] ''[[Forficula auricularia]]'', the European earwig, which is distributed throughout the cooler parts of the northern hemisphere. They feed on other insects, plants, ripe fruit, and garbage. Plants they feed on typically include [[clover]], [[dahlia]]s, [[zinnia]]s, [[butterfly bush]], [[hollyhock]], [[lettuce]], [[strawberry]], [[sunflowers]], [[celery]], [[peach]]es, [[plum]]s, [[grapes]], [[potato]]es, [[rose]]s, seedling [[bean]]s and [[beet]]s, and tender [[grass]] shoots and roots; they have also been known to eat [[maize|corn]] silk, damaging the corn. Typically they are a nuisance because of their diet, but normally do not present serious hazards to crops. Some tropical species are brightly colored. Occasionally earwigs are confused with [[cockroach]]es because of their cerci and their long antennae. Earwigs are most active at night and can be seen patrolling household walls and ceilings. Interaction with earwigs at this time results in a defensive free fall to the ground below, and the subsequent scramble to a nearby cleft or crevice.
+
* Grimaldi, D., and M. S. Engel. 2005. ''Evolution of the Insects.'' Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521821495.  
  
Earwigs are also drawn to damp conditions. During the summer, they can be found around sinks and in bathrooms. Earwigs tend to gather in shady cracks or openings or anywhere they can remain concealed in daylight hours. Picnic tables, compost and waste bins, patios, lawn furniture, window frames or anything with minute spaces (even [[artichoke]] blossoms) can potentially harbor these unwanted residents. Upon gaining entry to the basement and living areas of the home, earwigs can easily find cover in undisturbed magazine and newspaper piles, furniture/wickerwork, base boards, carpeted stairways, pet food dishes, and even inside DVD cases and keyboards. Earwigs are inclined to take risks and are exploratory creatures but are overly unaware of the consequences and are often found trapped in poison baited cups or buckets of soapy water.
+
* Haas, F. 1996. Dermaptera. ''Tree of Life Web Project'' Version July 18, 1996.
[[Image:Earwig iruppu.jpg|thumb|180px|left|An earwig from the [[Western Ghats]]]]
 
[[Image:Forficula auricularia.jpg|thumb|180px|left|Common Earwig]]
 
  
==Pest control==
+
* Random House. 2006. [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/earwig Earwig]. ''Dictionary.com''. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
While earwigs can be considered in some ways a beneficial part of the garden, especially when they prey on other insects, they can become a nuisance because of their habit of hiding within leaves and feeding on soft plant tissues. Since they prefer cool, moist places, a rolled up damp newspaper placed where earwig activity is suspected can be effective in collecting them. The newspaper can then either be discarded or shaken out. Placing [[diatomaceous earth]] in key spots around the home (bathroom, baseboards, window frames) can be a long-term repellent.
 
  
Another method of removing earwigs is by utilizing their attraction to vegetable oil. Putting vegetable oil in a pie tin and burying it up to the rim of the tin is an effective way of capturing them.
+
* Rankin, S. M., and J. O. Palmer. 2003. Pages 297-299 in V. H. Resh, and R. T. Cardé, eds., ''Encyclopedia of Insects.'' Academic Press. ISBN 0125869908.
Another effective method of earwig control is to take steps to control the population before they hatch by removing rotting underbrush and spraying with commercially available insecticidal [[nematodes]], which invade the earwigs in their nymphal stage and infect them with a lethal bacterium.
+
 
==Notes==
+
* Taylor, J. D. 1978. The earwig: The truth about the myth. ''Rocky Mountain Medical Journal'' 75: 37–38.
{{reflist}}
+
 
==References==
+
* Von Ellenrieder, N. 2004. Dermaptera. In B. Grzimek, D. G. Kleiman, V. Geist, and M. C. McDade, ''Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia.'' Detroit: Thomson-Gale. ISBN 0307394913.
* {{cite book|author=[[David Grimaldi|Grimaldi, D.]] and [[Michael S. Engel|Engel, M.S.]] |title=Evolution of the Insects|year=[[2005]]|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|id=ISBN 0-521-82149-5}}
 
* {{cite journal | quotes=no |author=[[Michael S. Engel|Engel, M.S.]] and F. Haas |year=2007 |title=Family-group names for earwigs (Dermaptera) |journal=[[American Museum Novitates]] |volume=3567 |pages=1–20}}
 
* {{cite journal | quotes=no |author=J. D. Taylor |year=1978 |title=The earwig: the truth about the myth |journal=[[Rocky Mountain Medical Journal]] |volume=75 |pages=37–38}}
 
* {{Citation
 
|url=http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/veg/european_earwig.htm
 
|title=Featured Creatures
 
|publisher=University of florida}}
 
* {{Citation
 
|url=http://www.bartleby.com/65/ea/earwig.html
 
|title=earwig
 
|publisher=The Columbia Encyclopedia
 
|edition=Sixth Edition
 
|date=2001-05}}
 
* {{Citation
 
|url=http://www.cascadepest.com/pest.htm#earwigs
 
|title=Pest Organisms of the Puget Sound Region: Earwigs
 
|publisher=Cascade Pest Control}}
 
* {{Citation
 
|url=http://www.islington.gov.uk/DownloadableDocuments/Environment/Pdf/pestearwig.pdf
 
|title=Keep earwigs away
 
|publisher=Islington Council}}
 
* {{Citation
 
|url=http://www.eartheasy.com/live_natpest_control.htm
 
|title=Natural Insect Pest Control
 
|publisher=eartheasy.com}}
 
*{{Citation
 
|url=http://www.uos.harvard.edu/ehs/pest_earwig.shtml
 
|title= Earwig Fact Sheet and Gallery
 
|publisher=Harvard University}}
 
<references/>
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
{{sisterlinks|Earwig}}
+
All links retrieved September 26, 2017.
{{Wikispecies|Dermaptera}}
+
 
{{Wikibookspar|Dichotomous Key|Dermaptera}}
 
* [http://tolweb.org/tree?group=Dermaptera&contgroup=Neoptera Tree of Life info for Dermaptera]
 
 
* [http://www.ento.csiro.au/education/insects/dermaptera.html CSIRO Dermaptera page]
 
* [http://www.ento.csiro.au/education/insects/dermaptera.html CSIRO Dermaptera page]
 
* [http://www.snopes.com/horrors/insects/bugear.htm "Earwigs eat through your brain" urban legend debunked]
 
* [http://www.snopes.com/horrors/insects/bugear.htm "Earwigs eat through your brain" urban legend debunked]
* [http://www.whatsthatbug.com/earwig.html What's That Bug's Earwig Page]
+
 
* [http://www.uos.harvard.edu/ehs/pest_earwig.shtml Harvard University information on earwigs]
 
* [http://www.earwigs-online.de Earwig Research Centre]
 
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/421.shtml BBC Science and Nature Wildfacts ]
 
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
 
[[Category:Animals]]
 
[[Category:Animals]]
{{credits|177292343}}
+
[[Category:Invertebrates]]
[[ca:Papaorelles]]
+
[[Category:Insects]]
[[cs:Škvoři]]
+
 
[[da:Ørentvist]]
+
{{credits|Earwig|257793941}}
[[de:Ohrwürmer]]
 
[[es:Dermaptera]]
 
[[fa:گوش‌خیزک]]
 
[[fr:Dermaptera]]
 
[[ko:집게벌레목]]
 
[[is:Klaufhalar]]
 
[[it:Dermaptera]]
 
[[he:צבתנאים]]
 
[[la:Dermaptera]]
 
[[lt:Auslindos]]
 
[[nl:Oorwormen]]
 
[[ja:ハサミムシ]]
 
[[no:Saksedyr]]
 
[[pl:Skorki (owady)]]
 
[[pt:Dermaptera]]
 
[[ru:Кожистокрылые]]
 
[[sl:Strigalice]]
 
[[su:Cocopét]]
 
[[sv:Tvestjärtar]]
 
[[zh:蠼螋]]
 

Revision as of 01:26, 16 January 2023

Earwig
Fossil range: Jurassic to Recent
Common earwig, Forficula auricularia
Common earwig, Forficula auricularia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Dermaptera
De Geer, 1773
Suborder

Archidermaptera †
Forficulina
Suborder Hemimerina
Suborder Arixeniina

Earwig is the common name for any of the insects comprising the order Dermaptera, characterized by chewing mouthparts, incomplete metamorphosis, membranous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings (tegmina), and an abdomen that extends well beyond the wings, and frequently, though not always, ends in a pair of forceps-like structures termed cerci. The order is relatively small among Insecta, with about 1800 recorded species placed into three extant suborders (and one extinct suborder).

Earwigs are quite common globally, with the exception of the polar regions. Their name is tied to a mistaken belief that they will crawl into a human ear and burrow into the brain to lay their eggs. In reality, there is no evidence that they transmit disease or otherwise harm humans or other animals—despite their nickname pincher bug.

Indeed earwigs provide important functions for the ecosystem and for humans. Ecologically, they consume a wide variety of plant and animal matter, including clover, other insects, ripe fruit, and garbage, while being consumed by various invertebrates and vertebrates. Members of the Hemimerina suborder feed on fungi on the skin of giant rats without harm to the rats. For humans, they can be beneficial for a garden when they prey on other insects. They may also become a nuisance because of their habit of positioning themselves within leaves and feeding on soft plant tissues, or eating the blossoms of ornamental plants.

Description

Two earwigs from Australia compared to a CF card—63 mm.

Although the suborders Hemimerina and Arixeniina are comprised of species that are wingless, as are some of the large suborder Forficulina (Von Ellenrieder 2004), earwigs typically are characterized by two pairs of wings on the thorax. Of these, one pair is membranous wings and is folded in a complex manner underneath short leathery forewings. The small pair of leathery forewings is called tegmina, and they cover only the first segments of the abdomen and leave the posterior of the abdomen exposed. The small, leathery tegmina give rise to the ordinal name of the order, Dermaptera, with the name Derma meaning "skin," and ptera meaning "wings" (hence "skin wings") (Von Ellenrieder 2004). Most species of winged earwigs are capable of flight, yet earwigs rarely fly around.

Most earwigs are elongated, flattened, and are dark brown. Lengths are mostly in the quarter- to half-inch range (10 to 14 millimeters), with the Saint Helena giant earwig reaching three inches (80 millimeters). Antennae are thin, long, and filiform (Von Ellenrieder 2004). Mouthparts are designed for chewing, as in other orthopteroid insects. Some tropical species are brightly colored. Occasionally earwigs are confused with cockroaches because of their cerci and their long antennae.

Female (cerci not hooked).
An earwig from the Western Ghats
Common earwig

The abdomen of the earwig is flexible and muscular. There typically is an unsegmented, pincer-like cerci at the posterior end, which usually is straight in females and curved or asymmetrical in males (Von Ellenrieder 2004). Cerci range from nonexistent to long arcs up to one-third as long as the rest of the body. The cerci in the suborders Hemimerina and Arixeniina is filamentous (Von Ellenrieder 2004).

The flexible abdomen allows maneuvering as well as opening and closing the forceps. The forceps are used for a variety of purposes, such as opening the wings, grooming, and for defense (Von Ellenrieder 2004). In some species, the forceps have also been observed in use for holding prey and in copulation.

Distribution and habitat

Earwigs are found worldwide, with the exception of the polar regions; their greatest diversity is in the tropics and subtropics (Von Ellenrieder 2004). The species Forficula auricularia, the European or common earwig, is widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere.

In homes, the generally nocturnal earwigs can be seen patrolling household walls and ceilings at night. Interaction with earwigs at this time results in a defensive free fall to the ground below, and the subsequent scramble to a nearby cleft or crevice.

Earwigs are also drawn to damp conditions. During the summer, they can be found around sinks and in bathrooms. Earwigs tend to gather in shady cracks or openings or anywhere that they can remain concealed in daylight hours. Picnic tables, compost and waste bins, patios, lawn furniture, window frames, or anything with minute spaces (even artichoke blossoms) can potentially harbor earwigs. Upon gaining entry to the basement and living areas of the home, earwigs can easily find cover in undisturbed magazine and newspaper piles, furniture/wickerwork, base boards, carpeted stairways, pet food dishes, and even inside DVD cases and keyboards. Earwigs are exploratory creatures and are often found trapped in poison baited cups or buckets of soapy water.

Behavior, diet, and reproduction

Earwigs are generally nocturnal, hiding in dark areas during the day and being active at night.

Most species of earwigs are omnivorous, although some are mainly predacious, herbivorous, or scavengers (Von Ellenrieder 2004). Hemimerina feed on fungi and scruf growing on the skin of giant rats and Arixeniina feed on the secretions of bats and dead insects (Von Ellenrieder 2004). The common earwig feeds on other insects, plants, ripe fruit, and garbage. Plants that they feed on typically include clover, dahlias, zinnias, butterfly bush, hollyhock, lettuce, cauliflower, strawberry, sunflowers, celery, peaches, plums, grapes, potatoes, roses, seedling beans and beets, and tender grass shoots and roots; they have also been known to eat corn silk, damaging the corn. Typically they are a nuisance because of their diet, but normally do not present serious hazards to crops.

Members of Forficulina generally are oviparous, while members of hemimerina and Arixeniina are viviparous (Von Ellenrieder 2004).

Classification

Four suborders within the Dermaptera have been established, three of which are extant (Rankin and Palmer 2003):

  • Archidermaptera: Has a fossil record extending into the Jurassic, with fossils from that period. These have unsegmented cerci and tarsi with 4 to 5 segments.
  • Forficulina: The largest and most familiar group. The cerci are unsegmented, and modified into large, forcep-like structures.
  • Hemimerina: Represented by one genus, Hemimerus, with filiform segmented cerci and are wingless, blind, and viviparous ectoparasites of African rodents
  • Arixenina: Represented by two genera, Arixenia and Xeniaria. As with Hemimerina, they are blind, wingless ectoparasites with filiform segmented cerci. They are ectoparasites of various Southeast Asian bats, particularly of the genus Cheiromeles (i.e., "naked bulldog bats").

Etymology

Earwig is derived from Old English ēare for "ear," and wicga for "insect." (Wicga is in turn related to wiggle, and ultimately to other words implying movement, including way and vehicle, all from PIE *wegh-.) The name comes from the old wives' tale that earwigs burrow into the brains of humans through the ear and therein lay their eggs. While earwigs are predisposed to hiding in warm humid crevices and as such one may crawl into a human ear canal, this is not a location where they are frequently found and regardless, they do not penetrate the tympanum and lay eggs in the brain (Haas 1996).

Other languages have words based on the same premise: German Ohrwurm (also: Ohrkneifer, "ear pincher"), French perce-oreille, Danish ørentviste, Slovak ucholak (ucho = ear, lak = scare), and Hungarian fülbemászó ("crawler-into-the-ear"). English has derived a verb from this, to earwig, meaning "to fill someone's mind with prejudice by insinuations" or "to attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk" (Random House 2006).

The German word Ohrwurm has the derived meaning "an annoying tune which I can't get out of my head." Hungarian also uses the phrase fülbemászó dallam with similar meaning as the German above, although without the negative overtones.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Engel, M. S., and F. Haas. 2007. [1%3AFNFED2.0.CO%3B2 Family-group names for earwigs (Dermaptera)]. American Museum Novitates 3567: 1–20. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
  • Grimaldi, D., and M. S. Engel. 2005. Evolution of the Insects. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521821495.
  • Haas, F. 1996. Dermaptera. Tree of Life Web Project Version July 18, 1996.
  • Random House. 2006. Earwig. Dictionary.com. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
  • Rankin, S. M., and J. O. Palmer. 2003. Pages 297-299 in V. H. Resh, and R. T. Cardé, eds., Encyclopedia of Insects. Academic Press. ISBN 0125869908.
  • Taylor, J. D. 1978. The earwig: The truth about the myth. Rocky Mountain Medical Journal 75: 37–38.
  • Von Ellenrieder, N. 2004. Dermaptera. In B. Grzimek, D. G. Kleiman, V. Geist, and M. C. McDade, Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia. Detroit: Thomson-Gale. ISBN 0307394913.

External links

All links retrieved September 26, 2017.

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