The common “pincher bug” is the earwig, an insect belonging to the scientific order Dermaptera. People often wonder if this insect can fly and what the function of its intimidating tail appendages is. Pincher bugs do possess wings, a detail often overlooked due to their crawling behavior. This article explores whether these insects fly and examines their specialized biological features.
The Anatomy of Pincher Bug Wings
Earwigs possess two distinct pairs of wings, although they are hidden beneath small, leathery covers on the abdomen. The outer pair consists of short, hardened forewings, known as tegmina, which serve a protective role. These forewings shield the delicate flying structures underneath from damage as the insect moves through tight spaces and soil.
Beneath the tegmina are the large, membranous hindwings, which are the actual flight organs. These hindwings are remarkable for their highly complex folding mechanism, which is unique among insects. The fan-like wings can be folded up to 40 times, collapsing into a compact, multi-layered structure that occupies minimal space when stored under the forewings.
Why Earwigs Rarely Fly
Despite having fully developed wings, most earwig species are rarely observed in flight. Their lifestyle as ground-dwelling insects means they prioritize crawling through dark, moist environments rather than aerial travel. The wings are fully functional, but their use is limited because the complex unfolding and refolding process is energetically costly and time-consuming.
Earwigs generally only take flight when circumstances compel them to disperse or relocate. This behavior is triggered by overcrowding, a sudden lack of food resources, or environmental stress, such as drought. Even when they do fly, their movement is erratic and not sustained, often consisting of short bursts for dispersal.
Understanding the Function of the Pinchers
The most recognizable feature of the pincher bug is the pair of forceps-like structures protruding from the rear of the abdomen, scientifically termed cerci. These appendages are hardened with chitin, the material forming the insect’s exoskeleton, and serve multiple purposes. A primary use for the cerci is defense, allowing the earwig to deter predators by arching its abdomen over its body in a scorpion-like posture.
The cerci are also employed for securing prey, particularly by omnivorous species that hunt small insects. Furthermore, the appendages play a role in mating, where their shape often displays sexual dimorphism. Male earwigs typically have more curved pincers, while the female’s are generally straighter. Although their appearance is alarming, these pincers are not venomous and are rarely strong enough to break human skin.
Where Pincher Bugs Live and How to Manage Them
Habitat and Diet
Earwigs are primarily nocturnal and are most commonly found in damp, cool, and dark habitats. Outdoors, they thrive under mulch, leaf litter, decaying wood, stones, and potted plants where they scavenge for food. Their varied diet consists of decaying plant matter, moss, and small insects like aphids, making them beneficial in some garden settings.
Indoor Migration and Management
When outdoor conditions become too dry or hot, earwigs may migrate indoors through cracks and crevices near the foundation. They typically seek out cool, moist areas inside the home, such as basements, crawl spaces, and laundry rooms. Managing their presence begins with reducing exterior moisture sources and sealing entry points.
##### Control Methods
Effective management requires physical control methods:
- Reduce exterior moisture sources, such as fixing leaky faucets and ensuring rain gutters direct water away from the house.
- Remove debris like wood piles and excessive mulch near the foundation to eliminate preferred outdoor hiding spots.
- Seal entry points indoors, including gaps around doors, windows, and utility pipes.
- Place traps made from rolled-up newspaper or a shallow container with oil near infested areas to capture them.
These simple steps help reduce the population without the necessity of chemical treatments.