E UPLEXOP TER A. 
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 Forficulid^e (For-fi-cu'li-das). 
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, 
, . , , ,ii 1 . Fig. i 12.—An Earwig. 
fruits, and other vegetable substances. 
