THE EARWIC. 
4®3 
Genus XXX — Forficula. e Fhe Earwig . 
This genus contains fome fpecies of infers that are 
univerfally known. Their common charafters are feta- 
ceous antennae ; elytra fhorter than the abdomen ; wings 
folded up and covered by the elytra ; and a forceps, by 
which the extremity is armed *. 
Forficula auricularia. This infed is feen every where; 
it even enters our inmoft apartments. The body is of a 
yellow colour, inclining to brown ; dark above, and 
lighter underneath. The forceps with which the ear* 
wig is provided, procured the generic name forficula to 
this tribe. The formidable name of earwig has arifen 
from a notion, that thefe infers entered into the ears of 
people while afleep, and from thence penetrated into the 
bram, where they occafioned much pain ; often madnefs 
and death : The French appellation, which fignifies the 
Ear-piercer, urges this accufation in (till plainer terms. 
The Imalleft acquaintance with the Itrufture of the 
human ear, will eauly prove the fallacy of thefe fufpicions, 
which have in all probability often coft this animal its 
life. It, however, deftroys flowers ; and wherever fi uit 
has been wounded byftronger ini'e&s, the earwig general- 
ly attends for a fecond feaft. 
All thefe animals after fecundation lay eggs, from. 
Which caterpillars are produced, that differ but little 
3 E a ’ 
t Syftsma Nat. p. 686. 
