#forficula

kind enough to hide in an easily peelable spot but not lucky enough to avoid meddling peelers like me, this Forficula lesnei was so taken aback by my presence that he just sort of stood there and waited for me to be done and put him back. this particular individual apparently looks similar to the eastern european F. aetolica as a result of this species being very variable where i am, but to me it's all wigs

Earwigs (order Dermaptera)

Well, obviously there are old tales about these insects climbing into peoples ears. They don’t do it regularly, it’s not even that common, and other insects, like small cockroaches, have been found climbing into peoples ears more commonly. I agree with you, they should probably have some different name, but I think at this point in entomological history, it’s unlikely we’re going to rename them.

There are many different species of earwigs, and they live all kinds of different lifestyles. Some of them are predatory, some are scavengers, and many of them are omnivorous.

They appear as if they don’t have wings, but they do have very thin light wings folded up underneath wing covers. The forceps on the back are used for a variety of purposes. On some species they’re used to seize and hold prey, and on most species they are used during mating.

The mothers guard the eggs, after laying, and even take care of the nymphs for a while after hatching. This is a group of insects that undergoes incomplete metamorphosis.



Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia), family Forficulidae, order Dermaptera, Germany

One of at least four species from the complex - auricularia, dentata, mediterranea, and aeolica. They’re morphologically indistinguishable, but differ in their mitochrondria. This one is probably dentata, since that’s the species found in the UK, and since then distributed widely.

Earwigs are omnivorous and nocturnal, have been known to eat various garden plants, and on rare occasions are a pantry pest, but are predators of aphids and other pests. 

They have fully developed wings intricately folded under the ear-shaped elytra - hence both the common name and ‘auricularia’ - but rarely fly. The pincers aren’t strong enough to harm human skin, but are used in courtship and threat displays.

After mating the females (this one is a female) exhibit extended parental care of the eggs and hatchlings, to a degree unusual among non-social insects.

most animals like to hide in little crevices but earwigs are particularly fond of being sandwiched between something and looking cozy doing it. here is a Forficula dentata making use of the bastard invasive giant reeds near my house

a very polite Forficula lesnei that i surprised in her flower home. this an obscure little earwig species that looks very similar to other, more widespread species like F. dentata, but with a much more restricted range. ironically the most common earwig species around here, and always fun to interact with. whoever told me earwigs could pinch your finger off or whatever the fuck when i was like 5 was full of shit