ORDER ORTHOPTERA. 63 



The Euplexoptera are widely distributed over the surface of the 

 earth. The tropical regions, however, can hardly claim any great 

 predominance over more temperate climates as regards either the 

 number or size of the species. 



The largest European species {Forjicesita gigatitea), which is an 

 inhabitant of some parts of England, measures about an inch in 

 length of the body. 



Our common Earwig (Forficula auricularid) is not only found all 

 over Europe, but apparently throughout the greater part of the 

 eastern hemisphere. 



Fig. 77. — Foificiili Auricularia. 



Another British species, viz., the little Earwig [Labia ?ni?ior), is 

 also of wide distribution. 



The earwig derives its name from its occasionally creeping into 

 the human ear in search of concealment. This has been denied 

 by many authors, but we have personally known instances of ear- 

 wigs entering the ears of persons lying asleep in fields in the 

 summer time. The insect can be driven out immediately by pour- 

 ing a little oil into the ear. 



Some writers have attempted to prove that the name earwig is 

 a corruption of " earwing," in allusion to the shape of the hind 

 wings ; really a very ingenious idea, but incorrect nevertheless. 



