Forficata

Forficata is a genus of earwigs in the family Forficulidae. The genus was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Earwigs are insects characterized by a pair of prominent cerci at the posterior end of the abdomen, which are pincer-like in the males. These cerci are used for defense and wing-folding. Forficata species are typically nocturnal and omnivorous, feeding on a variety of organic matter including insects, decaying plant material, and sometimes human food sources. They are found in a wide range of habitats, often in damp, sheltered locations such as under logs, stones, or leaf litter.

The genus Forficata contains several species, with Forficula auricularia, the common earwig, being one of the most widely distributed and recognized. This species is often found in gardens and agricultural areas, and while generally considered a minor pest, it can sometimes cause damage to crops and ornamental plants. Other species within the genus may have more specific geographic distributions and ecological niches. The life cycle of earwigs involves incomplete metamorphosis, with young earwigs, called nymphs, resembling smaller versions of the adults. They molt several times before reaching maturity. Forficata are generally harmless to humans, though some individuals may experience a mild pinch if handled carelessly.