CRICKETS AND EARWIGS 171 



by Euplexoptera (well- folded wings), in allusion to the 

 complicated system of wing-folding which distinguishes 

 earwigs; but the pendulum has again swung round 

 in the opposite direction, and they are now again 

 grouped, at least by professed entomologists, in the 

 order Orthoptera. 



We may conclude with a brief reference to the 

 peculiarities of the popular names of these well-known 

 pests. It is remarkable that in almost all the languages 

 of Europe they are known by names which have some 

 connection with the word "ear." It is always the ear 

 " worm," " borer," " piercer," " twister," or something 

 of that sort names which obviously reflect the vulgar 

 and wide-spread superstition that the earwig creeps into 

 the human ear, and causes death by effecting thence an 

 entrance into the brain. It is curious that so manifestly 

 absurd an idea should ever have gained such wide 

 credence so wide indeed as to have been incorporated 

 into the traditional lore of all the most civilised nations 

 of the world and still more so, that it should even yet 

 show strong signs of vitality. Such a notion, of course, 

 explains the popular prejudice against the earwig, which, 

 indeed, is not an insect that has ever succeeded in 

 inspiring either admiration or respect ; on the other 

 hand, superstitious fear, hatred, or contempt have gene- 

 rally been the feelings with which it has been regarded, 

 and even its name was once used as a scornful epithet, 

 a synonym for an " inquisitive informer " no doubt in 

 allusion to its habit of poking its head into corners. 



