Introduction: The Curious Case of Earwigs’ Name

Earwigs have one of the most peculiar names among insects, and it’s not hard to imagine why. The visual of an insect crawling into one’s ear can be quite unsettling and leaves us wondering why they were given such a name. Interestingly, the name "earwig" has nothing to do with their behavior of crawling into ears. In this article, we will explore the origins of their name, their anatomy, behavior, habitat, diet, and how to control infestations.

Folklore Origins: The Earwig’s Mythical Ear-Infesting Nature

One of the most common myths surrounding earwigs is that they crawl into people’s ears and lay eggs in their brains. While this is not true, it is believed that the origin of their name comes from the Old English word "ēare," meaning ear, and "wicga," which means insect. This name was given to them because of the belief that earwigs go into people’s ears while they’re sleeping and bore into their brains. The myth was so widespread that it even led to the creation of an earwig-shaped ear scoop, a tool used to remove earwigs from the ear canal. Despite the lack of evidence supporting this myth, the name "earwig" persisted.

Scientific Name: Forficula auricularia and its Meaning

The scientific name for the common earwig is Forficula auricularia. The name "Forficula" is derived from the Latin word "forcipula," which means "little forceps" or "pincers." "Auricularia," on the other hand, means "of the ear." Therefore, the scientific name translates to "little forceps of the ear," which accurately describes their appearance. Earwigs have pincer-like appendages at the end of their abdomen used for defense, mating, and feeding. These appendages resemble forceps, a surgical instrument used for grasping and holding objects.