Wild Fact #861 – Ewwww! A Bug!! – Earwigs
Photo by L. Jesse
I just realized that it has been awhile since we have done a post about those pesky little insects. I am surprised by this since I am absolutely fascinated by insects and the incredible behaviours they exhibit. My goal today is to try and convince at least one person that some of the “yuckiest” insects such as the Earwig have some pretty good qualities as well. Stop squirming and continue reading to find out more about this little “pincerbug”.
I am sure a lot of us have had the pleasure to see an earwig up close and personal. I am not sure how many of us though actually took the time to appreciate and understand this harmless little bug. Earwigs are often blamed for destroying crops and other foliage. Although, they do feed on this yummy plant material (well, yummy to them, not to me) they also feed on various insects which are known to cause even more damage to our beloved crops. Personally, I would take the lesser of two evils and utilize the earwigs to protect my valuable resources. I am not saying I would go out and collect 1000′s of earwigs to protect my farm, well unless it was an earwig farm of course!
I am guessing you are still not convinced that the earwig deserves a little bit of appreciation so I will keep trying. How about this one? Did you realize that the earwig is one of the few insects that actually cares for its eggs and will watch over the little nymphs until they reach their second molt. You see most insects just drop their eggs and let them fend for themselves. That would be equivalent to us dropping our newborn baby in the wild and saying, “Good Luck Little Nathan, I hope you survive”. I guess this strategy worked for that Jungle Book guy so maybe it isn’t too bad. Anyway, back to my point! Yes, the female earwig is a proud mother and will take extreme measures to ensure the safety of her young ones. If you ask me this is a pretty impressive trait for this heroic insect!
So you still haven’t rushed out to buy the latest Earwig T-Shirt? (could you imagine if they actually had these) Maybe you will be a little less scared of the earwig after I clear up the myth that they crawl into your ear and bore into your brain. I can tell you right now that they have better things to do such as caring for their young!
You have to admit that the maternal instinct of the earwig is pretty impressive and unique. I think they deserve and a little appreciation and I hope you see that now too.
Have a great weekend everyone!!
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March 5th, 2010 at 2:46 AM
1. I’m SO not convinced.
2. BLECH!
3. How about a post on something a little more cuddly? (like a snake or a frog
*grin*
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Nathan Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 7:07 PM
hahahaha!
I thought I would have a tough time convincing people that earwigs can be good. Maybe I will devote a week to cuddly snakes just for you
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March 5th, 2010 at 2:57 AM
I agree with Jen…I’m am not convinced just because it has maternal instincts, I still detest these little pests. Once I seen the picture this morning I came close to not reading the article since it brought back memories (ha, ha) but of course curiosity got the better of me (as usual) and I continued to read…thank goodness no more pictures.
Have a good weekend!
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Nathan Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 7:07 PM
Thank you for continuing to read despite the pretty picture. I knew I would have no chance of convincing you to like earwigs! You have to admit though, they are pretty cool!
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March 5th, 2010 at 5:05 AM
Nice try BUT – You’ll have to try harder than that to convince me!
Enjoy your weekend!
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Nathan Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 7:08 PM
Not one person likes earwigs! Those poor animals!
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March 5th, 2010 at 8:49 AM
No bugs! No Bugs! No Bugs!
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Nathan Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 7:09 PM
LOL!
I will post a nice cuddly picture on Monday!
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March 5th, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Well, I’ve got a nice surprise for you! There actually IS an earwig T-shirt:
http://www.cafepress.com/heptune.208878965
BTW, I’m glad you enjoyed Sparkle’s visit yesterday. She can be a bit incorrigible (if being a BIT incorrigible is possible!).
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Nathan Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 7:11 PM
You have made my day, Janiss!! I can’t believe there is an actual earwig shirt. You can also get long sleeved and different colours! Maybe I should buy one and offer it as a prize to the person that hates earwigs the most!!
I was very happy to see Sparkle stop by the other day. I had a feeling that she might stop in! I don’t find her incorrigible at all. She actually made some pretty good points. Please tell Sparkle that she is welcomed here anytime!
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March 7th, 2010 at 3:28 PM
when I was child I thought they are really scary.
and then I read in one of the books by Gerald Durrell how he kept the whole family of them in a matchbox when he was a child, and how he really cared about them. and then I thought wow he was really brave guy. and it also changed my attitude towards them, though I was still scared to touch them
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Nathan Reply:
March 7th, 2010 at 4:43 PM
Hey groksgroks! Thanks for stopping by Wild Facts and sharing such an interesting story! I will have to look into those books. I am impressed someone kept earwigs as a pet. I couldn’t even convince any of my readers to appreciate the little guys.
They really are a harmless insect to humans although they may look dangerous.
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March 8th, 2010 at 4:00 AM
I try to love all creatures – but it is very hard to love an earwig.
As soon as I saw the picture I cringed, it’s probably from being told as a child that they will crawl in your ears.
I don’t remember seeing one for quite a while now. Where did all the earwigs go?
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Nathan Reply:
March 8th, 2010 at 6:58 PM
Hi Hazel,
I hear you about it being hard to love an earwig but you have to admit they are pretty cuddly! Okay, maybe not!
The earwigs should still be around. I know in Canada they have slowly been working their way west. Years ago, we never had earwigs in Ontario but they have steadily snuck into the province from the Maritimes. Next time it is nice out, go and look at some nice cool, damp spots and I bet you will see some pretty earwigs.
Thanks for stopping by!
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