The antennae are thread-like with at least 10 segments. These pincers are used to capture prey, defend themselves and fold their wings under the short tegmina. Earwigs are characterized by the cerci, or the pair of forceps-like pincers on their abdomen male earwigs generally have more curved pincers than females. The largest extant species is the Australian giant earwig ( Titanolabis colossea) which is approximately 50 mm (2 in) long, : 10 while the possibly extinct Saint Helena earwig ( Labidura herculeana) reached 78 mm ( 3 + 1⁄ 16 in). Most earwigs are flattened (which allows them to fit inside tight crevices, such as under bark) with an elongated body generally 7–50 millimetres ( 1⁄ 4–2 in) long. Dermaptera belongs to the major grouping Polyneoptera, and are amongst the earliest diverging members of the group, alongside angel insects ( Zoraptera), and stoneflies ( Plecoptera), the exact relationship between the three groups is uncertain. Some earwig specimen fossils are in the extinct suborders Archidermaptera or Eodermaptera, the former dating to the Late Triassic and the latter to the Middle Jurassic. As the nymphs molt, sexual dimorphism such as differences in pincer shapes begins to show.Įxtant Dermaptera belong to the suborder Neodermaptera. Female earwigs may care for their eggs, and even after they have hatched as nymphs will continue to watch over offspring until their second molt. Many earwig species display maternal care, which is uncommon among insects. Damage to foliage, flowers, and various crops is commonly blamed on earwigs, especially the common earwig Forficula auricularia.Įarwigs have five molts in the year before they become adults. Earwigs are found on all continents except Antarctica.Įarwigs are mostly nocturnal and often hide in small, moist crevices during the day, and are active at night, feeding on a wide variety of insects and plants. Some groups are tiny parasites on mammals and lack the typical pincers.
Earwigs have characteristic cerci, a pair of forcep-like pincers on their abdomen, and membranous wings folded underneath short, rarely used forewings, hence the scientific order name, "skin wings". With about 2,000 species in 12 families, they are one of the smaller insect orders. It conveys friendship.Female common earwig, Forficula auriculariaĮarwigs make up the insect order Dermaptera. Tail Position: Wrapped Around Another CatĪ tail wrapped around another cat is like you putting your arm around another person. You might see this tail position right before your cat pounces on a toy or a kibble of cat food that's tumbled outside the food bowl. Tail Position: Swishing MotionĪ tail that sways slowly from side to side usually means your cat is focused on an object. Tail Position: Whipping MotionĪ tail that slaps back and forth rapidly indicates both fear and aggression. Tail Position: Puffed UpĪ tail resembling a pipe cleaner reflects a severely agitated, stressed and/or frightened cat trying to look bigger to ward off danger. Tail Position: Tucked AwayĪ tail curved beneath the body signals fear or submission.
However, be aware that certain breeds, such as Persians, tend to carry their tails low for no particular reason. A tail positioned straight down can signal stress or aggression. This tail position often signals a playful mood and a cat that's ready to share some fun with you. You might consider taking a break from your daily business to play with your cat if you notice a curve in their tail. Tail Position: Curved Like a Question Mark A little twitch can mean a particularly happy moment. A tail that sticks straight up signals happiness and a willingness to be friendly. When your cat holds their tail high in the air as they move about their territory, they're expressing confidence and contentment. Take a little time to observe your cat's behavior and you will start to get a feel of the tales the tail tells. Your cat's tail can tell you about what's going on inside their head.
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