EARWIG

(forfictila), a common orthopterous insect whose name is derived from its supposed habit of insinuating itself into the ears of persons. This is practically impo ible, yet the notion is widely spread, as appears from the names given to the earwig in different languages, as in Fr. perceoreille (pierce-ear), in Ger. ohrenhohler (ear-borer). The earwig is about three-quarters of an inch in length, having the wings folded under very short and truncate elytra or wing-cases, and the extremity of the abdomen armed with a horny forceps.