CHAPTER XL 

 Order Euplexoptera (Eu-plex-op'te-ra). 



The Earwigs. 



The members of this order have apparently four wings ; 

 the first pair of which are leathery, very small, without veins, 

 and when at rest meet in a straight line on the back ; the 

 second pair are large, with radiating veins, and when at rest 

 are folded both lengthwise and crosswise. The mouth-parts are 

 formed for biting. The caudal end of the body is furnished 

 with a pair of appendages which resemble forceps. The meta- 

 mor phosis is incomplete. 



The name of the order is from three Greek words : eu % 

 well ; pleko, to fold ; and pteron, wing. The word is not well 

 formed, but it cannot now be changed. It refers to the 

 unusual folding of the hind wings. This order is termed 

 the Dermaptera by many entomologists, but this name was 

 first applied to certain other insects, and so should not be 

 used for these. The so-called fore wings of these insects 

 resemble the wing-covers of beetles, and probably like them 

 are not true wings. The hind wings are very different from 

 those of any other insects. Figure in represents one of 



these ; they are furnished with radi- 

 ating veins, which extends from a 

 point some distance from the base 

 of the wings. When the wing is not 

 in use that part over which these 

 Fig. in.-wing of Earwig. veins extend is folded in plaits like a 

 fan, after which the wing is folded twice crosswise. Al- 



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