Department of Entomology

Dermaptera (Earwigs)

Family Fact Sheet

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Dermaptera - Brigham Young/VPI & SU PCD0330031

I. Background information

A. Origin of name

1. derma, skin (texture); ptera, wing

B. Classification

1. 3 Suborders

a. Forficulina

b. Arixenina

c. Diploglussata

2. 6 Families in U. S. - 4 likely to be encountered

a. Carcinophoridae - seaside earwigs

b. Labiidae - little earwigs

c. Forficulidae - European earwigs, most common in this area

d. Labiduridae - one large introduced species

C. Common names - earwigs (name from superstition)

D. Type of metamorphosis - simple

E. Phylogenetic relationships - Jurassic

II. Morphological characteristics

A. Wingless

B. Winged

1. Front - short, similar to elytra in beetles

2. Hind - membranous rounded with radiating veins folded beneath front wings

C. 3-Segment tarsi

D. Mouthparts chewing

E. Males - 10-segment abdomen

F. Females - 8-segment abdomen apparent

G. Prominate cerci, some males can pinch

III. Biological summary for the order

A. Life history

1. overwinter as adults, usually one generation/year

B. Habitat and Habits

1. Nocturnal

a. Hide during day - cracks, crevices, under bark, protected places (e.g., under my deck)

2. Scavengers - dead and decaying plant material, but also on tender plants

3. Female guards eggs until hatched

C. Collecting and preserving

1. Collect in alcohol or pin (most in right tegman or wing, like a beetle)

2. Collect from under bark, grasses, roots, mullin, some from light pit-fall traps

D. Significance

Most are not pests, except for Forficula Auricularia (European earwig); substantial damage to vegetable crops, ornamentals and fruit trees