Earwigs, often called pincher bugs, are small insects with flat, narrow bodies. They belong to the order Dermaptera and are best known for the pair of pincer-like appendages on the end of their abdomen. These “cerci” help them defend themselves and catch small prey.
The name earwig comes from an old myth that they crawl into people’s ears and burrow into their brains while they sleep. This story is completely false.
