A Deep Look Into the Wacky and Wild Lives of Earwigs

Earwigs are often seen as creepy creatures with their intimidating pincers, whether they are crawling across your floor or making themselves at home in your camping gear. Despite their unpopularity among many people, scientists have not given them as much attention as social insects like ants and bees.

However, there are a few researchers who have chosen to explore the fascinating world of earwigs, hidden beneath the surface. They have discovered that these creatures are not only interesting but also surprisingly social, although they may not be considered adorable by most.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, studies focused on earwig courtship rituals. These elaborate displays of attraction and rejection, involving pincers and antennae, can last for hours. In some species, like the Papua New Guinea earwig Tagalina papua, mating itself can last up to 20 hours. Females usually determine when the mating process ends, although males of certain species may use their pincers to control their partner.

Male bone-house earwigs, such as Marava arachidis, known to inhabit bone meal plants and slaughterhouses, can be quite forceful during mating. They bite the female’s antennae and use a hook on their genitalia to secure themselves inside her reproductive tract.

Female earwigs have the ability to store sperm in internal pouches and use it to fertilize multiple broods, eliminating the need for repeated mating. Some males, like those of the pale-legged earwig Euborellia pallipes, have been observed removing the sperm of other males using a specialized part of their genitalia.

The fascinating behavior of earwigs extends beyond their mating rituals. Female earwigs display remarkable dedication to their offspring, as observed by entomologist Yoshitaka Kamimura. The care provided by female earwigs to their eggs has become a subject of study in Europe, where researchers have delved into the biology and social interactions of European earwigs, such as Forficula auricularia.

The meticulous care of the eggs by female earwigs serves multiple purposes. They remove fungal spores that could harm the eggs and apply water-repellent substances to prevent them from drying out. Males that attempt to approach the nest are vigorously chased away by the females, as they may pose a threat to the eggs.

Despite their aggressive nature and cannibalistic tendencies, adult earwigs are known to group together, sometimes even with different earwig species. Research has shown that earwigs raised in groups are more likely to seek companionship as adults, suggesting a preference for social interaction.

Overall, earwigs may not be everyone’s favorite insect, but their complex behaviors and social dynamics make them a fascinating subject of study for researchers. Whether it’s their elaborate courtship rituals or the intricate care provided to their offspring, earwigs continue to surprise and intrigue scientists exploring the hidden world beneath our feet.