Earwig facts for kids
Quick facts for kids EarwigsTemporal range: Jurassic to Recent
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Common earwig, Forficula auricularia | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Subphylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: |
Dermaptera
De Geer, 1773
|
Earwigs are a group of insects known as Dermaptera. There are about 1,800 different species of earwigs around the world. They are known for their special wings. These wings fold neatly under short, tough covers. Most earwigs are 10-14 millimeters long. Some types can grow up to 80 millimeters. Earwigs do not spread any diseases. They also do not harm humans in any way. Most earwigs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other small creatures. They also eat some insect larvae.
Contents
What Do Earwigs Look Like?
All earwigs are insects. Like all insects, they have three main body parts. These parts are the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. An earwig is usually about the same size as a peanut.
Earwigs can be dark brown, red, or black. They use their antennae for smelling and feeling. Their antennae are attached to their head. All earwigs have a somewhat flat body shape.
Earwigs have thin back wings. They also have two thick wings that cover and protect the thin ones. Earwigs do not fly very often. Some earwigs have stripes on their thorax and abdomen. All earwigs have six legs with small hooks.
Male earwigs have curved cerci. These are small pincers found at the end of their abdomen. Female earwigs have straight cerci. Earwigs use their cerci to grab food. Sometimes, male earwigs use their cerci to fight other males.
Where Do Earwigs Live?
Earwigs live almost everywhere in the world. The only place they do not live is Antarctica.
Earwigs usually like damp and shady places. You can often find them under leaves or inside fallen trees. Earwigs can also sometimes be found inside your home. They prefer damp and shady spots like basements or bathrooms.
What Do Earwigs Eat?
All earwigs eat plants. They often eat pollen from flowers. In the fall, they might eat fruits like apples. If they live in houses, they sometimes eat small pests. These can include spiders and flies. Sometimes, they might even find honey to eat. On trees, you might see them eating moss or fungi.
When an earwig wants to eat insects, it has two ways to catch them. It can use its cerci, which are its small pincers. Or, it can use a bad smell to defend itself. Birds usually avoid eating earwigs because of their bad taste and smell.
Images for kids
-
An earwig from the Western Ghats
-
Male earwig, external body parts. Click on image for a larger view
-
A male of Forficula auricularia feeding on flowers
-
Female earwig in her nest, with eggs
-
Female earwig in her nest with newly hatched young
See also
In Spanish: Dermápteros para niños
