Insect Order Dermaptera - the earwigs
The Insect Order Dermaptera contains the
earwigs. The name earwig comes from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning
"ear creature," probably because of the wide-spread superstition that they
crawl into the ears of sleeping people. The order contains about
1,100 species. Earwigs are characterized by large membranous hind
wings that lie hidden under short, leathery forewings. The earwig
varies from .2 to 2 inches in length. It is flat, slender and dark
colored. It has a shiny outer covering and simple biting mouth parts.
It undergoes incomplete metamorphosis (i.e. - egg, nymph, and adult stages).
Earwigs are nocturnal and usually herbivorous. It has a pair of horny,
forceps-like tail filaments, or pincers cerci at the posterior end of the
abdomen.