While many people observe earwigs primarily as crawling insects, the reality of their flight is more nuanced. Most earwig species possess wings, though their ability and inclination to fly vary significantly and do not always equate to frequent or agile flight.
The Reality of Earwig Flight
Most of the approximately 2,000 documented earwig species possess wings, a characteristic reflected in their scientific order name, Dermaptera, meaning “leather or skin wings.” Earwigs have two pairs of wings: short, leathery forewings (tegmina) that serve as protective covers, and larger, membranous hindwings intricately folded beneath them, resembling an origami fan.
These hindwings can expand considerably, sometimes up to 10 to 18 times their folded size, when an earwig prepares for takeoff. The complex folding mechanism, while allowing for compact storage, can make sustained flight challenging or impractical for many species. When earwigs do fly, it is typically in short, clumsy bursts, rather than prolonged, agile movements. Such brief flights are usually triggered by environmental disturbances, the search for food or mates, or a need to disperse.
Flight capability varies among species. Some are entirely flightless, with vestigial wings non-functional for aerial locomotion. Others, like Labia minor, are more avid fliers, though still slow compared to other insects. Many earwigs underuse flight, preferring to crawl, especially when food, shelter, and mates are readily available.
Beyond Flight: Understanding Earwigs
Beyond flight, earwigs exhibit distinct behaviors and physical characteristics. They prefer dark, damp habitats, commonly found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and in soil. Primarily nocturnal, they seek shelter in moist crevices during the day, becoming active at night to avoid predators and find suitable conditions.
Earwigs are omnivorous, meaning their diet is varied. They feed on decaying organic matter, including dead insects and plant material, making them beneficial decomposers in many ecosystems. Some species also prey on small insects like aphids and mites, while others consume plants, occasionally damaging young shoots. Their feeding habits vary depending on the species and available food sources.
A distinguishing feature of earwigs is the pair of pincer-like appendages, known as cerci, located at the end of their abdomen. These cerci serve multiple purposes, including defense against predators, capturing small prey, and assisting in mating rituals. In some species, the cerci also help fold their intricate hindwings back into place beneath the forewings. Despite their intimidating appearance, earwig pincers are generally harmless to humans, and the myth that earwigs crawl into human ears to bore into the brain is unfounded.