E UPLEXOP TERA . 



103 



though these insects bear some resemblance to beetles, they 

 differ from them markedly in having an incomplete meta- 

 morphosis. The order includes only a single family. 



Family FORFICULIM: (For-fi-cu'li-dae). 

 The Earwigs. 



These are long and narrow insects, resembling rove- 

 beetles in the form of the body and 

 in the shortness of the wing - covers, 

 but easily distinguished by having a 

 pair of forceps at the end of the body 

 (Fig. 112). The common name, earwig^ 

 has reference to a widely spread fancy 

 that these insects creep into the ears 

 of sleeping persons. 



The earwigs are rare in the North- 

 eastern United States, but are more 

 often found in the South and on the 

 Pacific coast. In Europe they are com- 

 mon, and are often troublesome pests, 

 feeding upon the corollas of flowers, 

 fruits, and other vegetable substances. 



I 



Fig. 112. — An Earwig, 



