Earwig

About the Earwig

The myth that they crawl into ears and bore into brains is completely false - the name may come from ear-wing (the hind wings resemble a human ear when unfolded). They are among the few insects that show maternal care - mothers guard eggs and feed nymphs. Their pincers (cerci) are used for defense, capturing prey, and folding their wings. They have the most elaborate wing-folding mechanism of any insect. Over 2,000 species. They are omnivorous, eating both plants and other insects. Some can fly but rarely do.