Dermaptera

Dermaptera, commonly known as earwigs, is an order of small to medium-sized insects distinguished by a flattened body, long antennae, and a pair of curved, pincer-like appendages (cerci) at the end of the abdomen. The forewings are typically short and leather-like, protecting the hind wings, which are membranous and usually folded under the elytra when not in use. Earwigs are mostly nocturnal and ground-dwelling, often found in leaf litter, under bark, in rotting wood, or in crevices; some species also inhabit human structures.

There are around 2,000 described species in Dermaptera, distributed worldwide with greatest diversity in warm, moist environments. The order is characterized by hemimetabolous development, meaning offspring hatch into nymphs that resemble smaller versions of adults and undergo several molts before reaching maturity. Reproduction generally involves females laying eggs in batches and providing care for the eggs and early instars in many species, a form of parental care that enhances offspring survival.

Ecology and behavior vary among species, but earwigs are typically omnivorous or scavenging organisms that feed on decaying plant matter, fungi, and small invertebrates. Some species may feed on living plant tissues and can occasionally cause damage in gardens or crops, while others contribute to natural pest control by preying on pests. Earwigs are generally slow-moving and rely on their cerci for defense, prey capture, and in some cases mating displays.

Systematically, Dermaptera is placed within the class Insecta and comprises several families. The group shows a long evolutionary history and a broad range of habitats, from forest floors to urban environments.