Order - DERMAPTERA
(Greek, derma = skin, pteron = wing)
Common Name: earwigs
Distribution: Cosmopolitan

Description
Earwigs are elongate, often rather flattened insects with well developed mandibles. The distinguishing characteristic of this order is the presence of forceps at the end of the abdomen. Forceps are used by earwigs in a threatening display when disturbed. However, they are harmless to humans and are only capable of producing a sharp pinch. The terminal forceps may be used to carry insect prey or may be used during mating to grasp the partner. Earwigs may or may not possess wings. Winged species have forewings modified into small, tough covers (the tegmina). Hind wings are membranous, semicircular and are folded in "fan" form under the tegmina. Hind wings can also be folded across so that the whole wing is packed into a very small space. Compound eyes may be small, large or absent, and simple eyes (ocelli) are always absent.

Nymph
No comparable stages to caterpillar and pupa occur in earwigs. The nymphs emerge from the eggs and resemble miniatures of the adults. Nymphs moult several times before reaching adult size and maturity. Earwigs display maternal activity. The mother guards the egg clutch and young offspring until they are able to fend for themselves.

Members
Earwigs.

Food
Most species feed on dead plant material. However, some species attack living plants. Animal material will be eaten if available and earwigs will readily consume dead insects as food. A few specialised earwigs are parasites of bats and rodents.

Importance
Few earwigs are of economic importance. In Australia, the introduced European earwig (Forficula auricularia) causes considerable damage to orchards and garden ornamentals where it destroys both fruit and flowers. Australia is remarkable in possessing a giant earwig, Titanolabis colossae, which occurs in rainforest litter and can be 4-5 cm in length.