Earwigs

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Earwigs are commonly recognized by their pair of forcep-like pincers on their abdomen. It is capable of maneuvering as well as opening and closing the forceps. It is used for a variety of purposes. In some species, the forceps have been observed in the use for holding prey, and in copulation (mating). Males tend to have more curved forceps than in females. It is commonly believed to be dangerous, but in reality, even the curved pincers of males cause little or no harm to humans. Earwigs are omnivores, eating plants and ripe fruit as well as actively hunting arthropods. To a large extent, this species is also a scavenger, feeding on decaying plant and animal matter if given the chance. Want to keep one and feed it? Some common meals would include clover, lettuce, cauliflower, strawberry, blackberry, sunflowers, celery, peaches, plums, grapes, potatoes, and roses. Earwigs are mostly nocturnal and often hide in small, moist crevices during the day. During the summer they can be found around damp areas such as near sinks and in bathrooms. Most earwigs are flattened which allows them to fit inside tight crevices such as under bark. Even though most earwigs have wings and are capable of flight, they are rarely seen in flight. Earwigs have been rarely known to crawl into the ears of humans, and they DO NOT lay eggs inside the human body or human brain as is often claimed. It is more logical that they got their name by feeding on corn silk (glossy thread-like strands) on ears of corn.