Dermaptera, commonly known as earwigs, is an order of about 2,000 insect species in 12 families, making it one of the smaller insect orders. Earwigs are recognized by the forceps-like cerci at the end of the abdomen, used in defense and courtship, and by short forewings covering membranous hindwings that are rarely used in flight, the source of the order scientific name, meaning skin wings; a few parasitic groups on mammals lack the typical pincers.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic DistributionFound on all continents except Antarctica 1 Defining CharacteristicsCharacteristic forceps-like cerci on the abdomen, and membranous hindwings folded beneath short forewings that are rarely used in flight 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceMost are flattened, allowing them to fit into tight crevices, with an elongated body generally 7 to 50 millimetres long 1 Connections
Sources
1. Earwig - Wikipedia
Opening paragraph (rank)
Earwigs make up the insect order Dermaptera
Opening paragraph (name)
Earwigs make up the insect order Dermaptera
Opening paragraph (member count)
With about 2,000 species in 12 families, they are one of the smaller insect orders
Distribution section
Earwigs are found on all continents except Antarctica
Opening paragraph (characteristics)
Earwigs have characteristic cerci, a pair of forceps-like pincers on their abdomen, and membranous wings folded underneath short, rarely used forewings
Morphology section
Most earwigs are flattened (which allows them to fit inside tight crevices) with an elongated body generally 7-50 millimetres long
View the SourceCatalogue of Life
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of LifeParent Taxon Of: EarwigView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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