Quick European Earwig facts
1. The forceps at the end of an earwig's abdomen are modified appendages called cerciThe forceps at the end of an earwig's abdomen are modified appendages called cerci.
2. Males often have more strongly curved forceps than femalesMales often have more strongly curved forceps than females.
3. Forceps are used in defenseForceps are used in defense, prey handling, courtship and contests with other earwigs.
4. Despite folklore, earwigs do not deliberately crawl into human earsDespite folklore, earwigs do not deliberately crawl into human ears.
5. Females excavate underground chambers where they lay and guard clusters of eggsFemales excavate underground chambers where they lay and guard clusters of eggs.
6. A mother repeatedly cleans the eggs to prevent damaging fungal growthA mother repeatedly cleans the eggs to prevent damaging fungal growth.
7. She remains with newly hatched nymphs and may provide food…She remains with newly hatched nymphs and may provide food during their earliest development.
8. European earwigs hide in dark moist crevices by day and feed on plantsEuropean earwigs hide in dark moist crevices by day and feed on plants, fungi and small insects at night.
9. European Earwig is an insect and therefore has six jointed legs as an adultEuropean Earwig is an insect and therefore has six jointed legs as an adult.
10. Its body follows the insect plan of headIts body follows the insect plan of head, thorax and abdomen.
11. European Earwig has a hard external skeleton made largely from…European Earwig has a hard external skeleton made largely from chitin rather than an internal bony skeleton.
12. A pair of antennae provides important chemical and mechanical information…A pair of antennae provides important chemical and mechanical information about the surroundings.
13. Like other insects, European Earwig grows by molting because the…Like other insects, European Earwig grows by molting because the rigid exoskeleton cannot expand continuously.
14. Oxygen reaches tissues through a branching tracheal system rather than…Oxygen reaches tissues through a branching tracheal system rather than being carried mainly by blood from lungs.
15. Compound eyes divide the visual field into many small units…Compound eyes divide the visual field into many small units and are especially effective at detecting movement.
16. As an ectotherm, European Earwig's activity level is strongly influenced…As an ectotherm, European Earwig's activity level is strongly influenced by environmental temperature.
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Why european earwig are fascinating
European earwigs are nocturnal insects with abdominal pincers and unusually attentive maternal care. Looking at these traits together reveals how the animal solves the everyday challenges of feeding, movement, communication, reproduction and survival.
Frequently asked questions
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This guide currently contains 16 concise facts, with the wider STIAI.NET library linking to related animals and topics.
Are these facts written for children or adults?
The explanations are written for a general audience: clear enough for younger curious readers while preserving useful biological context.
Where can I find similar animals?
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