Difference between revisions of "Earwig" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Taxobox
 
{{Taxobox
 
| color = pink
 
| color = pink
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| subdivision_ranks = Families
 
| subdivision_ranks = Families
 
| subdivision =  
 
| subdivision =  
'''Suborder Archidermaptera'''<br>
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'''Suborder Archidermaptera'''<br/>
:''extinct''<br>
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:''extinct''<br/>
'''Suborder Forficulina'''<br>
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'''Suborder Forficulina'''<br/>
:[[Pygidicranidae]]<br>
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:[[Pygidicranidae]]<br/>
:[[Diplatyidae]]<br>
+
:[[Diplatyidae]]<br/>
:[[Anisolabididae]]<br>
+
:[[Anisolabididae]]<br/>
:[[Labiduridae]]<br>
+
:[[Labiduridae]]<br/>
:[[Apachyidae]]<br>
+
:[[Apachyidae]]<br/>
:[[Spongiphoridae]]<br>
+
:[[Spongiphoridae]]<br/>
:[[Chelisochidae]]<br>
+
:[[Chelisochidae]]<br/>
:[[Forficulidae]]<br>
+
:[[Forficulidae]]<br/>
'''Suborder Hemimerina'''<br>
+
'''Suborder Hemimerina'''<br/>
:[[Hemimeridae]]<br>
+
:[[Hemimeridae]]<br/>
'''Suborder Arixenina'''<br>
+
'''Suborder Arixenina'''<br/>
 
:[[Arixeniidae]]
 
:[[Arixeniidae]]
 
}}
 
}}
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'''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''' 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>
+
'''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''] - Retrieved December 18, 2007.</ref>
  
 
==Etymology==
 
==Etymology==
 
[[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|Earwig from Australia compared to a [[Compact Flash|CF]] card—63&nbsp;[[millimetre|mm]].]]
  
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
+
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>[http://www.tolweb.org/Dermaptera Dermaptera &mdash; Earwigs] - Retrieved December 18, 2007.</ref>
|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.
 
Earwigging - also known as eavesdropping - means to overhear another's conversation.
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==Notes==
 
==Notes==
 
{{reflist}}
 
{{reflist}}
 +
 
==References==
 
==References==
* {{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}}
+
* Grimaldi, David A., and Michael S. Engel. 2005. ''Evolution of the insects''. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521821495
 
* {{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=[[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}}
 
* {{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
+
* [http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/veg/european_earwig.htm Featured Creatures] - Retrieved December 18, 2007.
|url=http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/veg/european_earwig.htm
+
* [http://www.bartleby.com/65/ea/earwig.html earwig] - Retrieved December 18, 2007.
|title=Featured Creatures
+
* [http://www.cascadepest.com/pest.htm#earwigs Pest Organisms of the Puget Sound Region: Earwigs] - Retrieved December 18, 2007.
|publisher=University of florida}}
+
* [http://www.islington.gov.uk/DownloadableDocuments/Environment/Pdf/pestearwig.pdf Keep earwigs away] - Retrieved December 18, 2007.
* {{Citation
+
* [http://www.eartheasy.com/live_natpest_control.htm Natural Insect Pest Control] - Retrieved December 18, 2007.
|url=http://www.bartleby.com/65/ea/earwig.html
+
* [http://www.uos.harvard.edu/ehs/pest_earwig.shtml Earwig Fact Sheet and Gallery] - Retrieved December 18, 2007.
|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 ==
 +
All links retrieved December 18, 2007.
 
{{sisterlinks|Earwig}}
 
{{sisterlinks|Earwig}}
 
{{Wikispecies|Dermaptera}}
 
{{Wikispecies|Dermaptera}}
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[[Category:Animals]]
 
[[Category:Animals]]
 
{{credits|177292343}}
 
{{credits|177292343}}
[[ca:Papaorelles]]
 
[[cs:Škvoři]]
 
[[da:Ørentvist]]
 
[[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 15:12, 18 December 2007

Earwigs
Common earwig, Forficula auricularia
Common earwig, Forficula auricularia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Dermaptera
De Geer, 1773
Families

Suborder Archidermaptera

extinct

Suborder Forficulina

Pygidicranidae
Diplatyidae
Anisolabididae
Labiduridae
Apachyidae
Spongiphoridae
Chelisochidae
Forficulidae

Suborder Hemimerina

Hemimeridae

Suborder Arixenina

Arixeniidae
This article is about the insect Earwig. For the record label, see Earwig Music Company.

Earwig is the common name given to the insect order Dermaptera characterized by membranous 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 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 insinuations" or "to attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk".[1]

Etymology

Earwig from Australia compared to a CF card—63 mm.

The name earwig comes from 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.[2] 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.[3]

Earwigging - also known as eavesdropping - means to overhear another's conversation.

Classification

Four suborders within the Dermaptera have been established: [4]

  • Archidermaptera: Has a fossil record extending into the Jurassic, with fossils from that period. These have unsegmented cerci and tarsi with 4-5 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 and ectoparasitic on 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").

Physiology

Most earwigs are elongated, flattened, and are dark brown. Lengths are mostly in the 10–14 mm range, with the St. Helena earwig reaching 80 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 hindwings are folded in a complex fashion, so that they fit under the forewings. Earwigs rarely fly.

Female (cerci not hooked).

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.

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, dahlias, zinnias, butterfly bush, hollyhock, lettuce, 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. Some tropical species are brightly colored. Occasionally earwigs are confused with cockroaches 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.

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.

An earwig from the Western Ghats
Common Earwig

Pest control

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. 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

  1. dictionary.com: earwig - Retrieved December 18, 2007.
  2. Oxford English Dictionary on "Earwig".
  3. Dermaptera — Earwigs - Retrieved December 18, 2007.
  4. Susan M. Rankin and James O. Palmer (pp. 297-299) in Resh, V. H. & R. T. Cardé (Editors) 2003. Encyclopedia of Insects. Academic Press.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

External links

All links retrieved December 18, 2007.

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