Earwigs, often called pincher bugs, are common insects found globally, belonging to the order Dermaptera. These reddish-brown to black insects are known for the prominent, forceps-like appendages, or cerci, extending from their abdomen. Most species possess the physical capability for flight, though seeing an earwig fly is relatively uncommon. They are equipped with a sophisticated, yet rarely used, flight apparatus that allows them to take to the air.
The Anatomy That Allows Earwig Flight
The physical capacity for flight is rooted in their two pairs of wings, which are distinctly different in structure. The forewings, known as tegmina, are short, leathery, and hardened, acting as protective shields for the delicate structures beneath them. These small, scale-like covers are the reason many people assume the insect is wingless.
Tucked beneath these forewings are the membranous hindwings, which are remarkably large and semi-circular in shape. When fully unfurled, the hindwing can expand to an area ten times greater than its folded state, giving earwigs one of the highest folding ratios in the insect world. This immense size requires an intricate, origami-like folding pattern that involves multiple longitudinal and transverse folds.
The wing’s unique folding is achieved through a combination of mechanical hinges and the elastic biopolymer resilin. Resilin stores energy within the folds, allowing the wing to maintain stability once it is fully retracted and “clicked” into place without continuous muscle effort. To fly, the earwig must actively unfold this complex structure, a process that is physically demanding and time-consuming compared to other flying insects.
Why Flight Is Rarely Observed
Despite their impressive wing mechanics, earwigs are overwhelmingly ground-dwelling insects that prefer to crawl rather than fly. Their preferred habitats are cool, dark, and moist environments, such as under mulch, rocks, or logs, which generally do not necessitate aerial travel. Unfolding the complex hindwings and activating the flight muscles is energetically expensive for the insect.
When flight does occur, it is typically in short, erratic bursts and is not used for sustained, long-distance travel. These brief flights are usually a response to environmental pressures or biological imperatives. Earwigs may fly to quickly disperse from areas that have become overly dry or hot, or to seek out mates. They also use flight as an escape mechanism when disturbed by a predator or a sudden change in their immediate surroundings.
Common Misconceptions and Identification
Earwigs typically have an elongated, somewhat flat body, ranging from about 0.25 to 1.25 inches in length, with a coloration that is usually dark brown, reddish-brown, or black. The prominent, hardened pincers, or cerci, are used for defense against other insects, for capturing prey, and by males during mating rituals.
The name “earwig” comes from an ancient misconception that these insects intentionally crawl into the ears of sleeping people. This myth, which has existed for centuries, is biologically unfounded. Earwigs seek out dark, narrow, and damp spaces for shelter, and a human ear is no more appealing to them than any other small crevice.
They are nocturnal creatures that primarily feed on decaying plant material and smaller insects, making them beneficial in some garden settings. While they may occasionally pinch if handled, their cerci are not venomous and are rarely strong enough to break human skin. If they enter a home, it is almost always accidental, as they are simply seeking moisture or escaping unfavorable outdoor conditions.