EARWIGS. 



17 



the jointed character of the cerci can, however, be seen while the 

 insect is still in the egg (fig. 15). 



In Diplatys (1060) from Ceylon, and perhaps in other exotic 

 species, the larva leaves the egg with the cerci of great length 

 (fig. 14, a), and these continue until the skin is cast for the last 



Fig. 14. 



a, Larva, and, b, imago of an Earwig, Diplatys longisetosa, 

 enlarged six times. (1060.) 



time, when the cerci are thrown off and the forceps (which have 

 now formed within them) appear (fig. 14, &). 



Many earwigs have no wings, but in the majority the front pair 

 are modified into elytra of a leathery texture, with a straight suture, 

 and not or scarcely overlapping. The hind wings are ample, but 

 when at rest are folded beneath the elytra. Both in the way they 



