THE COMMON EARWIG 



The Common Earwig {Forficida aurictilaria) represents 

 the Family Forficulidce, and is one of five species found 

 in Britain, another species, known as Labia minor, or 

 Lesser Earwig, being much less noticeable than the 

 more familiar insect known to everyone. The smaller 

 species appears to resort to manure heaps. Three of 

 the chief features connected with the Earwig — and here- 

 after reference is only made to F. auricularia — are the 

 quick power of movement, the possession of incurved 

 appendages attached to the hind part of the body, and 

 the manner in which — unlike the majority of insects — 

 the young are cared for, the rule among the inhabitants 

 of the insect-world being to produce a large number of 

 eggs, and to leave their hatching and future welfare to 

 chance, though provision is often, if not always made, 

 with regard to a suitable environment in which the 

 larvae may find themselves when hatched, and a good 

 food-supply near at hand. Mother Earwig, as a matter 

 of fact, is quite a model parent, and sets a remarkable 

 example to others of the insect-race who, as has been 

 stated, seem content with their efforts to perpetuate 

 their species when once the eggs have been deposited. 

 The female Earwig actually sits upon and helps to in- 

 cubate her eggs, and when hatched the young closely 

 resemble their parents. Her strong jaws at one end 

 and formidable pincers at the other, are excellent weapons 

 of defence should an enemy approach. The young 

 soon require guidance and protection, and this the 

 Mother Earwig patiently, if not lovingly, bestows. It 



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