CRASHY: Spider with tail CRASHY, After a bit more thought,I feel...

CRASHY: Spider with tail CRASHY,
After a bit more thought,I feel that it was an "EARWIG".



Facts abut Earwigs

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Description:
The name originates from the superstition that earwigs crawl into the ears of sleeping persons and bore into the brain. Although earwigs appear somewhat dangerous due to their forceps, they are practically harmless to man.
Earwigs vary in size from 1/2-1" in length, they are brown to black in color. Species may be winged or wingless. Only a few species are good fliers. The body terminates in a pair of forceps. These forceps or pincers are the earwig's most distinctive characteristic. The forceps are used in capturing prey and mating.

What do they feed on?

Earwigs are omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of food. They will eat live or dead insects as well as live or decaying vegetation.

Why are they economically important?

Earwigs can cause damage to cultivated plants. They can be a nuisance when they migrate indoors. Migrations of earwigs numbering in the 100's have been reported. They seldom become established indoors. Some species will emit a foul odor. Earwigs can be of value as predators of certain insect pests.

Where can they be found?

Earwigs are nocturnal. During the day they will be found in moist shady places, under wood piles, stones, boards, compost piles, flower beds, and other secluded locations. When earwigs migrate indoors, they hide in cracks and crevices around baseboards and other locations. They may be found in potted plants and cut flowers.


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DERMAPTERA (skin-winged): Earwigs. They normally do NOT crawl into people's ears.
WINGS: 4 - Front pair is short and leathery (no veins), which meet in a straight line in the middle. Hind wings are membranous and hidden underneath the forewings when folded.

METAMORPHOSIS: Gradual (egg, nymph, adult). Nymphs are cared for by female adult.

MOUTH: Chewing

FEATURES: Sharp pincers on the tip of the abdomen (to defend against ant attacks from the rear). Antennae are segmented. Earwigs are nocturnal and hide during the day in dark places, such as in between newspapers, in cushions on patio furniture, under patio pots etc.