Hexapodium: Dermaptera
Members of the Order Dermapter have forceps-like cerci protruding from the end of their abdomen, a flattened body, short, leathery forewings (tegmina), hindwings that are intricately folded and tucked under the forewings when not in flight, chewing mouthparts, usually 10-segmented abdomens; long, slender antennae, and incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Earwigs are nocturnal and tend to stay hidden in tight crevices or under debris. They have limited flight capability; when they do fly, it's in short bursts, mostly in response to disturbances or threats. Females exhibit maternal behavior. They will lay their eggs in a protective location, such as a burrow in the ground or under a rock. They clean the eggs to keep mold or fungi from growing on the eggs and protect the eggs against predators using her forceps-like cerci. When the nymphs emerge from the eggs, they will continue to protect their offspring for several days to weeks, until the nymphs are ready to venture out on their own.
Greek: derma = skin, ptera = wings (in reference to the tough, leathery forewings).
