CHAPTER XXI 



EARWIGS 



PROBABLY no insect is more widely known than the common 

 earwig (Forficula auricularia). It is to be found at all seasons 

 of the year, and in the warmer weather, especially in sandy 

 districts, becomes so abundant as to be a nuisance in gardens and 

 houses. It is an omnivorous feeder, eating the petals of flowers, 

 ripe fruit and other sweet substances it often is found in 

 thousands on the " sugar " placed on tree trunks by collectors of 

 moths and also the dead bodies of other insects, as entomologists 

 who have left " set " insects on exposed setting-boards know 

 to their chagrin. The name " earwig " is due to a belief that 

 these insects will crawl into the ears of persons asleep, and even 

 penetrate to the brain. There is very little evidence in support 

 of this idea, though the writer has actually heard of one case in 

 which an earwig did enter the ear of a child and cause some incon- 

 venience before it could be dislodged. It is, however, remark- 

 able that in nearly all countries the popular name for the animal 

 has reference to this reputed habit ; e.g. " perce-oreille " in 

 France, " Ohren-wurm " in Germany ; and it is undeniable that 

 earwigs are very fond of hiding in dark holes and crevices, a 

 hollow stick or piece of metal or rubber-tubing left on the 

 ground for one night will often contain dozens of individuals 

 next morning. 



The head has a pair of compound eyes, but no ocelli. The 

 antennae are thread-like, and consist normally of fourteen joints, 

 though a smaller number, perhaps the result of mutilation, is not 

 infrequent. The jaws are of the ordinary type found in biting 

 insects, and consist of a pair of strong mandibles, a pair of first 

 and a pair of second maxillae, the latter united to form the labium 

 or lower lip. In general plan these jaws are not very different 

 from those of the wasp. The prothorax is large and freely 



VOL. I. 12 



