Earwig is an insect that has a large pair of pincers at the rear of its body. Earwigs may be found under stones, in decayed bark of trees, and in moist places. They come out and are most active at night. Most earwigs measure from 1/4 to 1 inch (0.6 to 2.5 centimeters) in length. There are hundreds of species (kinds).
Earwigs have a hard, shiny body covering. Their upper wings are short and leathery, while the lower ones appear gauzelike. Their heads carry long, delicate feelers, called antennae. These insects live in all parts of the world, but they are most common in tropical and subtropical regions.
Earwigs may destroy fruit and flowers, but they aid farmers by eating thrips, snails, and caterpillars. Most native American species are harmless. The European earwig damages crops. This species has spread to North America. Earwigs are named from the false belief that they enter a sleeping person’s ear to lay their eggs.
