Natural History of the Earwig, 70 



At this stage of their life they are of a pale yellow colour, 

 about four lines in length, and remarkably active and quick in 

 their motions. Their appearance at this time, in size and 

 colour, as well as in quickness of movement, both on wing and 

 on foot, has induced some naturalists to consider them as a 

 distinct species, under the designation of Forficula minor ; and 

 though further distinguished by two joints less of the antennaB, 

 yet it is probable they are only different semblances of the 

 same insect. 



It cannot be observed how often the same individuals take 

 their evening's flight ; but as they congregate apparently from 

 the instinctive impulse of sexual association, it is likely they 

 only continue their flight till that important act of their being 

 is consummated. 



Throughout the summer and beginning of autumn, they are 

 usually seen lurking in holes of walls, joints, and in crevices of 

 wood-work, or among any dry materials. As they are the 

 natural prey of many kinds of birds, particularly the Picse, 

 Gallinae, and several of Passeres tribes, they shun the light, 

 pass the day, if not disturbed, in their retreats, and issue forth 

 to assemble together or feed during the night. 



They are one of the greatest plagues of the gardener, for as 

 soon as the earliest (and which is also the choicest) fruits begin 

 to be scented, the earwigs begin their depredations, generally 

 eating a hole either close to the stalk of pomeous, or at the 

 apex of drupeous fruits, disfiguring, if not destroying them. 

 Apricots are their favourite repast, and from which the spoiler 

 abstracts almost all their value. Many guests at the dessert, 

 and particularly ladies, have hardly courage to take a Moor 

 park apricot on their plate, lest they should be disgusted with 

 the sight of earwigs having possession of the cavity round the 

 stone ! Hence the gardener is ever at war with them, and 

 especially in defending his wall fruit, for there the insects have 

 not only safe retreats, but also ''the first-fruits" to invite their 

 voracity ; and as they are midnight plunderers, he can only 

 place reeds, and other hollow stalks of plants, to allure their 

 entrance, and where they may be daily caught and destroyed. 



Though the richest fruits seem to be preferred by them, 



