Oniscidae

Oniscidae, commonly known as earwigs, is a family of small to medium-sized termites and wood-boring insects that are actually unrelated to true earwigs, which belong to the family Dermaptera. These insects are typically 5-15 millimeters in length, with a slender elongated body and a distinctive pair of forceps-like appendages at the rear of their abdomen. They are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts, and are often found near decaying wood or plant material.

The name "Oniscidae" is derived from the Greek word "onisos", meaning louse, due to the insect's body shape which resembles a louse. However, despite their physical resemblance to lice, the oniscids are actually quite distinct and are separate from the true earwig family. Oniscids are primarily detritivores, feeding on decaying plant material, fungi, and other microorganisms. They are also known to be beneficial to the ecosystem, helping to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients.

Oniscids are divided into two main subfamilies: the Pelmatomorpha and the Platyondinalia. The Pelmatomorpha are a group of earwig-like species that are found in tropical and subtropical regions, while the Platyondinalia are a group of earwig-like species that are found in temperate regions. Overall, the oniscids are a diverse group of insects that play an important role in the ecosystem, and are often overlooked due to their low profile and lack of public attention.

It's worth noting that the term "earwig" is often used to refer to the Dermaptera family, but technically speaking, "earwig" specifically refers to the species within the family Dermaptera, while the Oniscidae are more accurately referred to as earwig-like insects.