Common Name: Earwig
Scientific Name: Various
Class/Order/Family: Insecta/Dermaptera/Various
Metamorphosis: Simple
Introduction: The common name "earwig" comes from an old European superstition that these insects enter the ears of sleeping people and bore into their brain. This belief is without foundation. The forcepslike cerci are apparently used as both offensive and defensive weapons, and are sometimes used to capture prey. Earwigs are worldwide in distribution, with about 22 species occurring in the United States.

Recognition: Adults about 1/4-1" (5-25 mm) long, with body elongate, flattened in form. Color varies from pale brown with dark markings to uniformly reddish brown to black, but with paler legs. With 4 wings (rarely wingless), front wings leathery, short, and meeting in a straight line down the back whereas, hind wings membranous, fan-shaped, and folded under front wings. Cerci well developed and forcepslike but usually differ in shapes and sexes. Antennae threadlike, about half body length. Torso 3-segemented. Mouthparts chewing. Nymphs similar to adults but have no wings.