CHAPTER XII. 



ORDER II. EUPLEXOPTERA (Westwood). 



This order of insects (the Dermaptera of Leach) is extremely small as to numbers, but 

 the individual species are widely distributed. It bears a relationship to the orders Coleo- 

 PTERA and Orthoptera, having by dilferent naturalists been placed in each : it is, how- 

 ever, regarded as having a closer affinity with the latter than with the former, in conse- 

 quence of the peculiar structure and foldings of the wings. In the structure of the mouth, 

 and the transformation of the insect, it corresponds to the orthopter, but to the coleoptera 

 in the folding of the wings. The order is characterized thus by Westwood : 



'Anterior wings leathery, very small and uniting in a straight suture, horizontal, partially 

 covering the wings. Posterior wings large with radiating nerves, and with numerous 

 transverse and longitudinal folds. Mouth with transversely movable jaws, the poste- 

 rior pair being galeated. Anus forcipated. Pupa semicomplete, active, resembling the 

 imago, but with rudimental wings.' 

 The type of this order of insects is the common earwig, an insect far more notorious in 

 other countries than in this. It will be readily recognized by its elongated form, its short 

 wings like the Staphylinus, and the forked armature of its abdomen, which forms an organ 

 of offence as well as defence. Its habits are somewhat peculiar : it is nocturnal, and goes 

 abroad for its food by night ; but with the appearance of light, it seeks to hide itself in 

 holes and crevices where it can escape observation. Tradition affirms that it creeps into 

 the ear, but it does not appear that there any facts to sustain the assertion. 



The Porficula is a vegetable feeder, subsisting upon flowers, fruits, etc., and is regarded 

 as an injurious insect. Hence the English gardeners take advantage of its propensities, 

 by placing in proximity to the flowers and vegetables they wish to protect, crab's claws, 

 or narrow reeds closed at one end, into which the insect takes shelter, where it is readily 

 captured and destroyed. 



