Earwigs
There are about 1,800 species of earwigs in the world, at present in Australia, 85 of which are described.
Despite its misleading common name, there are no records of earwigs invading the ears of sleeping humans. The most distinct feature of this insects is the pair of ‘forceps’ at the end of the abdomen, which is used for courtship, and carrying prey or other food.
Appearance
Adults are typically small to medium-sized characterized by an elongated, somewhat flatenned body covered in tough cuticle. They have mandibulate mouthparts, moderately sized or absent compound eyes, and slender, thread-like antennae. Their legs are short and adapted for walking or running. While many species lack wings, those that do often possess fan-shjaped hindwings, neatly folded underneath the short, thick forewings at rest. Notably, the cerci are modifies into terminal forceps that are nonvenomous.
The nymphs are similar to the adults except for wing and genital development.
Biology and Behaviour
Earwigs are nocturnal and prefer damp spaces under logs and rocks. In orchards, they may hide in tree bark, and in vegetable gardens, they seek shelter under low leaves. They are omnivorous, consuming both live and dead plant and animal matter. The abdomical forceps are used in courtship, defese, and handling food. They reproduce sexually; the females lay batched of 20-50 ehhs in burrows, tending to the eggs and nymphs. The nymphs undergo several moults and behave similarly to the adults.
Pest Status
Earwigs are seldom regarded as important pests and in the agriculture sector, they can be used as biological control agents due to their predatory nature. However, they may cause damage and crop losses to fruit and vegetable gardens such as strawberries, grapes, and cherries.