THE EARWIG. 173 



sometimes even death. Any one acquainted with the 

 structure of the human ear must be pretty well aware, 

 that even a much smaller animal than the Earwig 

 might seek there in vain for an aperture through 

 which he might proceed to the gratification of such 

 murderous propensities, and it is perfectly clear that 

 the belief in the hurtful nature of the Earwig is 

 entirely without foundation. It is probable that this 

 wide-spread belief has no better origin than the occa- 

 sional intrusion of an Earwig into the ear, doubtless 

 thinking it an exceedingly convenient cavity in which 

 to ensconce himself. Such occurrences must be very 

 rare, and yet in almost all European countries the 

 name given to the Earwig is expressive of this sup- 

 posed habit. 



Another reason for the disfavour in which these 

 insects are held, is perhaps to be found in the threaten- 

 ing appearance presented by the strong curved forceps 

 with which the extremity of their abdomen is armed. 

 As in the Brachelytrous Beetles, this part of the 

 body is greatly elongated beyond the elytra, encased 

 in horny plates both above and beneath, and endowed 

 with a great degree of flexibility, so that in whatever 

 direction danger may seem to approach the insect, 

 these formidable-looking nippers can always be easily 

 opposed to it. In fact the appearance of the creature 

 is not amiable, and this circumstance, coupled with 

 the homicidal propensities commonly ascribed to it, 

 may easily explain the very general dislike with which 

 it is regarded. The gardener, however, has another 

 and, unfortunately, a better-founded cause of com- 

 plaint: the common Earwig (Forficula auricularia) , 

 which always abounds in gardens, is not only partial 

 to ripe fruit, but also devours the corollas of flowers 



