284 PROCEEDINGS: BOSTON SOCIETY NATURAL HISTORY. 
The metathoracic wings are folded in a complex and character- 
istic manner: first radially, from a point nearly midway of the 
front margin, the tip is folded, fan-like, down upon the base; the 
wings are then tucked away beneath the tegmina, under which 
they are almost entirely concealed (Fig. 23). There are many 
wingless forms, and it is said that 
even the winged species seldom fly. 
Thus Sharp states: "Though For- 
ficula auricularia [the common Euro- 
pean Earwig] is scarcely surpassed 
in numbers by any British insect, 
yet it is rarely seen on the wing; it 
Fig. 23.— Wing of Little Earwig, r , , - ^^ ^ ^, . .^ f'' 
Labia minor. (After Lugger.) IS probable that the majority ot the 
individuals of this species never 
make use of their organs of flight or go through the complex 
process of folding and unfolding them." 
The development is direct and the young resemble the adults, 
from which they may be distinguished, in the case of the winged 
species, by the lack of wings and tegmina, whose future presence 
is indicated in the later nymph stages by radiating ridges on each 
side of the metanotum. In at least some of the wingless species 
the number of abdominal segments visible in the young female 
differs from that in the adult (see Anisolabis maritima). Often 
also the form of the forceps of the young is different from that of 
the adult, especially in the male. 
It is said that the females often outnumber the males. While 
usually larger, in some cases at least {e.g., Lahidura riparia) the 
proportions frequently seem to be reversed. This possibly points 
to the custom of combat among the males. 
The coloration of Earwigs is prevailingly dull, though some- 
times prettily varied with yellow and reddish; some exotic species 
present attractive and even striking colors and patterns of 
ornamentation, possibly coupled with more diurnal habits. In 
this connection it is of interest to note that in the winged species 
the sculpture and texture of the exposed part of the wings usually 
agree with those of the wing-covers. 
A few technical terms, other than those common to other 
Orthoptera, need explanation. The large plate at the end of the 
abdomen above is called the anal plate or last dorsal plate; a 
