European earwig - Forceps, Heesch, Netherlands

Extreme macro of the forceps of an European Earwig. The forceps is a flexible utility for defense, predation, and it has a role in mating behavior. It contains no venom and is made of the same material as the rest of the exoskeleton.

comments (5)

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

LOVE this! An up close and personal view of a very important tool! Posted 5 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks! Thing that intrigues me is that yellowish lightning bolt on the top pincher. This is probably flash so strong that it lights up internals. Wonder if its muscle, nerves, something like that? Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Cool, looks like it could be part of the ganglia. Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. Ferdy Christant
      
      Lion
      
      I guess that means we shouldn't tickle it there. Found their weakness. Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Haha! Posted 5 years ago

The European earwig

''Forficula auricularia'', the common earwig or European earwig, is an omnivorous insect in the family Forficulidae. The European earwig survives in a variety of environments and is a common household insect in North America.

Info 30 2

Similar species: Earwigs

Species identified by Ferdy Christant