What is Earwig?
{{Taxobox | name = Earwigs |fossil_range=[[Jurassic]] to Recent | image = Earwig on white background.jpg | image_width = 240px | image_caption = Common earwig, ''[[Forficula auricularia]]'' | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Arthropod]]a | subphylum = [[Hexapoda]] | classis = [[Insect]]a | ordo = '''Dermaptera''' | ordo_authority = [[Charles De Geer|De Geer]], 1773 <!-- | subdivision_ranks = Families | subdivision = '''Suborder Archidermaptera †'''<br> '''Suborder Forficulina'''<br> :[[Pygidicranidae]]<br> :[[Diplatyidae]]<br> :[[Anisolabididae]]<br> :[[Labiduridae]]<br> :[[Apachyidae]]<br> :[[Spongiphoridae]]<br> :[[Chelisochidae]]<br> :[[Forficulidae]]<br> '''Suborder Hemimerina'''<br> :[[Hemimeridae]]<br> '''Suborder Arixenina'''<br> :[[Arixeniidae]] --> }} [[File:Forficula auricularia.jpg|thumb|right|Common earwig]] '''Earwigs''' is the name given to a group of [[insect]]s called '''Dermaptera'''. They are characterized by [[wing]]s they can fold under short, [[leather]]-like forewings. There are about 1800 [[species]] of earwigs. They do not seem to spread any [[disease]], or harm humans in any way. Most of them are 10-14mm long, but some species can reach 80mm. Most earwigs are [[omnivore]]s as they also eat some insect larvae. == Physical Characteristics == All earwigs are insects. All earwigs have three body parts, head, thorax, and abdomen. Earwigs are about the same size as a peanut. Earwigs are dark brown, red, or black. Earwigs use their antennae for smelling and feeling. Their antennae are attached to their head. All earwigs look a little flat. Earwigs have thin back wings that are covered by thick forewings. They don’t fly often. Some earwigs have stripes on the thorax and abdomen. All earwigs have six hooked legs. Male earwigs have curved cerci(which are little pinchers to grab food) and females have straight cerci on their abdomen. Sometimes, male earwigs use their cerci (little pinchers to grab food) to fight other males. Earwigs are known for having a foul smell. == Habitat == Earwigs live