4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 39 
mouth parts and feed primarily on plant material, but also may eat 
organic substances including meats or dead or weakened insects. 
The true wings are folded in a complicated man- 
ner beneath the wing covers or nonfunctional front 
wings. These insects dig in the soil, hide under 
old boards and other suitable shelter, and may re- 
main over the winter either in the egg stage or as 
adult earwigs. The life changes are incomplete. 
EKarwigs are sometimes pests and should be con- 
trolled by poisoned baits and sanitation. The ac- 
companying picture is that of the male European 
earwig (Lorjicula auricularia), now to be found in 
the United States. Adult insects of this species are 
from one-half to three-fourths of an inch long. 
Fleas.— Whenever cats and dogs are kept around 
the house, there is likelihood of introducing small 
insects that cause much annoyance to members of the household by 
attacking their legs and sucking the blood. Certain species carry 
bubonic plague. These insects are fleas, of ZEEE 
which there are many kinds, but all types 
belong to the order Siphonaptera. They 
usually are dark reddish brown, very much 
flattened, and give the appearance of 
standing on edge. Fleas do not have wings. 
They have sucking mouth parts; the legs aL 
are fitted for jumping and are their only a 
means of locomotion. The changes in the i: 
life cycle are complete. The larvae usually ek 
are found wherever cats, dogs, hogs, and SEINE WE NED: 
some other animals bed down. The human flea (Pulex irritans) is 
shown here. It is about one-eighth of an inch long. Treating cats 
and dogs with derris powder, cleaning up the bedding of these animals, 
and spraying or dusting the premises with insecticides will help to 
control this pest. 
Silverfish, silver moth, or bristletail—There is another small 
silvery-colored insect usually found on the floor, around books, or 
in other dark places. Occasionally it ventures out 
Into the light. It has several common names such 
as Silverfish, silver moth, or bristletail. It is wing- 
less, and the body tapers rather gradually to the 
hind end, which branches out into three very 
definite spikes. These spikes give it the name 
bristletail. The silverfish belongs to the order 
Thysanura. Since the adult has the same form as 
a the larva, it cannot be considered as having a 
-— metamorphosis; that is, there are no changes in 
form during the life cycle. It has chewing mouth 
parts and feeds especially on starchy materials 
such as bookbindings, wallpaper, and starched 
clothing. In the house this insect is active through- 
out the year and has no definite hibernation period. 
The species shown here is from one-half to five-eighths of an inch long 
and is Lepisma saccharina. Use of poisoned bait made of a mixture 
FIGURE 98.—Earwig. 
i: 
S43 
SNES 
FIGURE 100.—WNSilver- 
fish. 
