Let’s have a little fun, a little learning and a little YIKES! today with the EARWIG:

The Earwig is not a wig for your ears.  No, no.

And there is no truth to the origin of its name.  (Well, maybe some truth… because this is how myths begin.)

The word Earwig comes from the Old English earwicga, meaning ear + wiggle = ear wiggle = Earwig… for the notion that the Earwig penetrates the head by wiggling into the ear.  YIKES!

The earwiggle theory may come from the fact that the Earwig loves to hide from light during the day and will crawl into any small crevice or protected area to live.  But at least one Earwig must have found its way into at least one ear for the name Earwig to have stuck, so to speak.

The Earwig loves to snuggle into warm places and can be found in anything from decaying matter to moist cellars to sleeping bags.  YIKES!

The Earwig is nocturnal and feeds at night and on all kinds of things... foliage, decaying plant and animal matter, garbage and other insects.  The Earwig preys on aphids, beetle larvae and moths.

Most everyone has seen an Earwig at one time or another. If disturbed, it scatters quickly, but if threatened, it uses it pincers or forceps at the end of its abdomen for defense.

The Earwig is an interesting little buggah to investigate with your kids or grandkids.  It has been around for millions of years and doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon.  You may want to research the life cycle of the Earwig.  One amazing characteristic is the female Earwigs’ maternal instinct.  She will protect her eggs with a vengeance.

Kids love to learn about common little insects.  Begin with the forever hardy Earwig.

Join me here each day in June for JUNE BUGS on 365 Days of Literacy for Kids! Enjoy a little fun, a little leaning and a little YIKES!