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Field Guide to Common Texas Insects
Field Guide to Common Texas Insects
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Dermaptera

Dermaptera are medium size insects usually with four wings. The front pair of wings is short, leathery and meet down the center of the back, which leaves most of the abdomen exposed. The hind wings are folded under these. A pair on non-poisonous pinchers are found at the end of the abdomen. The pinchers are not segmented but consist of a single piece. The pinchers often are asymmetric, i.e., the right and left sides are shaped differently. They have chewing mouthparts.

Usually earwigs are found outdoors hiding under leaves, boards or in cracks during the day. Earwigs can be destructive in greenhouses and rarely in field crops. They are a nuisance when they enter homes. They release a bad smelling substance when disturbed. Some earwigs provide some parental care for the young.

Earwigs undergo simple metamorphosis. Most earwigs are about 1/2 – 3/4 inch in length as adults.

Insects in this order: earwig.

 

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