Common earwig male pincers, Forficula auricularia
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Contributor:
Scenics & Science / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
F7BDNCFile size:
29 MB (1.2 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
2598 x 3898 px | 22 x 33 cm | 8.7 x 13 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
3 November 2015More information:
Earwigs have a very flexible abdomen, and protruding from the abdomen is a pair of pincers or “forceps.” These forceps are very intimidating and can cause anyone who encounters this insect to become concerned. Males have the more developed and larger forceps. The forceps are not just appendages but are developed and flexible for multiple uses. Forceps are used to fend off predators which would make a meal of the earwig. Forceps are also used to catch prey for the species that are predaceous. Forceps also play a role in the mating ritual of males and females. Folklore says that the term “earwig” comes from the Anglicization of European terms tracing to “ear worm” or “ear wiggler” or even “ear turner.” Even though the origination of the term “earwig” can be debated, folklore also suggests that this insect would crawl into human ears and either lay eggs in the moist inner ear parts, or worse, bore into the brain. None of this folklore is true.