Deep Look
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Early Access: What Do Earwigs Do With Those Pincers Anyway?
🕑 Added 2018-06-22 20:06:03 +0000 UTC Earwigs are equipped with some pretty imposing pincers on their rear, and they're not afraid to use them. But when it comes to these appendages, size isn't everything.Many animals seem to show a preference for symmetry in a potential mate. It can be a clue that the mate has the genes necessary to develop properly and thrive in an environment full of stresses and dangers.
But in some critters buck the trend. Like the earwig, a diminutive insect found on every continent except Antarctica.
Andrew Zink, an associate professor of biology at San Francisco State University, has been looking at how symmetry affects earwigs success when it comes to social interactions.
But first things first -Do earwigs climb into your ear?
The quick answer is no. Earwigs are not interested in climbing into your ear to lay their eggs or otherwise. They’re no more likely than any other bug to accidentally find its way into you ear. The name earwig come from the old english words for ear and insect. It may have been named after the shape of the common European earwig’s wings, which when extended resemble a human ear.
Do you have any other questions for Josh, our producer on this episode? Leave them in the comments below.
Comments
Bill Cass
These were great shots! The only thing I knew about earwings going into this was that the females are very maternal for insects, and will protect their eggs. I didn't know it was mostly from other earwigs though.
Deep Look
Thanks for the feedback! Although the earwigs featured in this episode could give you a slight pinch, they are not dangerous to humans. They are not venomous and it would be difficult for their pinch to break the skin.
Bob
Are they at all dangerous or harmful to humans? Even a little bit? (I know the answer is no, but if that could be addressed in the video, that would be great.)
