European earwig by Enmos
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Description
Not the best of images (focus is a bit off), but some people here have been complaining about me not uploading insect images. So here it is, an insect :p
From Wikipedia:
Forficula auricularia, the Common earwig or European earwig, is an omnivorous insect in the family Forficulidae. Though they frighten many, they are harmless but tend to take up habitation within the home. They mostly appear frightening because their name literally means that they crawl into one's ear and are rumored to burrow into the human brain, but this is entirely false.
Forficula auricularia is about 12 - 15mm long. The adult earwigs are reddish brown, and have yellowish legs. The male earwig is readily identified by its large cerci also known as forceps that are 4 - 8mm long; however, they may grow longer than their abdomens. The male forceps are very robust and broadened basally with crenulate teeth. The female forceps are about 3mm long, and are less robust and straighter. The cerci are used during mating, feeding, and self-defense. Females also have tegmina of about 2mm in length. The earwig has functional wings but rarely flies.
Active primarily at night, European earwigs seek out food ranging from plant matter to small insects. Though they are omnivorous, they are considered scavengers rather than predators. Often they consume plant matter, though they've also been known to feed on aphids, spiders, insect eggs, dead plant and insects, among other things.
Thanks for viewing ! :)
Comments (28)
flora-crassella
fantastic macro!!!!!!!
BorisB
An amazing masterpiece!!!
decie
I hate those things they get every where when they are around, nice capture
moochagoo Online Now!
Hate those things too. Excellent macro !
zulaan
Wow ! Beautiful !!! :)
dorothylee
Great macro of that very interesting insect!
qrud
nice and a little horror
danob
Great macro the focus is fine just the usual Macro narrow DOF.. Not my favourite bug but his is a super shot of one
fredster66
This is quite the shot... well done!
durleybeachbum
Marvellous! I did an earwig back in the summer, but yours is infinitely better! I like themm 'cos they're such good mums.
MrsLubner
What can I say other than astounding! Totally incredible photography!
Faemike55
Wonderful photo and great information! Thank you for both!
kgb224
Outstanding capture.
jeroni
Great idea, lovely image
Fred255
Very fine macro!
Meowgli
focus seems pretty good to me, certainly a fine capture.. nice criss-crossing of the stems too
Richardphotos
even if the focus is not perfect,it still is and excellent capture. I am sure I have seen here, but do not remember
Punaguy
Not only do I get a nice shot, I also learn something new from your images. I've seen these before but could not put a name to it, now I know! Mahalo~ Aloha~
deweygg
Wow - we have these guys in Costa Rica and yes, every one thinks that they will get in your ear and eat your brain. Thanks for letting that rumor to rest. Again thanks for the info and the great pic.
picantilla
fantastic shot!!!!
CavalierLady
Superb macro of a new creature for me!
MC-Jay-One
Very great macro shot!
cranium
Awesome macro, and beautiful background blur! Well done :)
babuinodeoro
a terrible hunter
nongo
This is NOT my favorite bug, but your image is an excellent profile of their armored body!!!! eeeewwwwwww!!!!!! these really do give me the creeps!
JaneEden
Oh to me this is a great macro, and a very unusual creature too - great on the zoom, hugs Jane xx
sossy
fantastic macro! the armour is polished! ;o)
FearaJinx
I hate ear wigs... I'm not sure I could get that close to one... even just to take a picture of it.