| Forficula auricularia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Male in Hengelo, The Netherlands | |
| |
| Female in Brión, Spain | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Dermaptera |
| Family: | Forficulidae |
| Genus: | Forficula |
| Species: | F. auricularia
|
| Binomial name | |
| Forficula auricularia | |
Forficula auricularia is a species complex comprising the common earwig. It is also known as the European earwig. It is an omnivorous insect belonging to the family Forficulidae. The name earwig comes from the appearance of the hindwings, which are unique in their resemblance to human ears when unfolded. The species name of the common earwig, auricularia, is a specific reference to this feature.[1][2] The European earwig survives in a variety of environments. It is also a common household insect in North America. They are often considered a household pest because of their tendency to invade crevices in homes and consume pantry foods,[3] though they may also act as beneficial species depending on the circumstances.[4][5]
Forficula auricularia is reddish-brown in color with a flattened elongated body and slender beaded antennae. Earwigs possess pairs of pincers or forceps at the tip of the flexible abdomen. Both sexes have these pincers. In males, they are large and curved, whereas in females, they are straight. Nymphs are similar to adults in appearance, though their wings are either absent or small.[6]
- ^ Costa, J.T. (2006). The Other Insect Societies. United States, Harvard University: Harvard University Press.
- ^ "Dermaptera - earwigs". ento.csiro.au. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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Vickery and Kevanwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
Moerkens et al.was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Common European earwig". arkive.org/. Wildscreen Arkive. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 23 November 2014.