306 Proceedings of Indiana Academy of Science 



sexes are very often seen hiding with only the forceps and posterior part 

 of the abdomen protruding from the cover. When an earwig passes such 

 a hiding place very often these forceps push out and close and open in 

 a threatening manner that cannot be mistaken for sex attraction. Very 

 often the passing earwig offers fight and several such combats have 

 been observed that had fatal endings. 



A few cases of the earwigs in sexual embrace were observed but 

 in no instance could the forceps be seen to act as claspers. The posi- 

 tion of the forceps during mating, though probably not of any especial 

 advantage to the earwig, might easily have been mistaken for similar 

 structures as found in other animals. Whether the forceps were form- 

 erly claspers which have developed into organs of combat in our modern 

 earwigs is a question the writer is not prepared to discuss. Regardless 

 of the former importance of the forceps or their present function in 

 primitive forms the writer's conclusion is that they are primarily wea- 

 pons, developed and used as such in all forms observed. 



Summary of Observations. — 1. The forceps of American eaiwigs 

 are well developed and controlled by powerful muscles. Their strength 

 is nearly sufficient to pierce the skin of a person. (2) The male earwigs 

 are very pugnacious. (3) Earwigs are cannibalistic, especially the 

 males. The forceps are then the chief weapons of attack. (4) The 

 females are more apt to become cannibalistic when food is scarce. (5) 

 Males have been observed to attack and devour females. (6) Earwigs 

 assume a position in attack similar to the scorpions, due to convenience 

 and effectiveness rather than mimicry. (7) They protect their head and 

 thorax but keep the forceps in readiness for defense if disturbed. (8) 

 Earwigs are nearly omnivorous but may attack as prey insects or small 

 Crustacea, using their forceps. (9) The forceps are often used in hold- 

 ing the prey while it is being eaten. (10) In no case were the forceps 

 used in folding the wings. (11) The forceps are of little if any im- 

 portance as claspers in mating. 



