Thread: Flying Earwigs

I've had this discussion with my sister a number of times, whether or not earwigs can fly. Most people don't know it, but earwigs do have wings(most species atleast) I've heard about them flying, but never seen it. I've been looking into this one for a long time now but have no really grounded sources.

My sister poses the argument that ostriches have wings but can't fly. Still, earwigs wings are quite large, they are just tucked in very tightly. I can't think of any insect with wings that can't fly. There's also the possibilty that they are in an evolutionary transition.

So... when would they fly? at night? during mating? I know that if you throw one off a ledge it'll just fall.

I'm aware that there are a lot of different species of earwigs... a few thousand i think. any input on this would be a great help.

Originally Posted by Draculogenes

I've had this discussion with my sister a number of times, whether or not earwigs can fly. Most people don't know it, but earwigs do have wings(most species atleast) I've heard about them flying, but never seen it. I've been looking into this one for a long time now but have no really grounded sources.

My sister poses the argument that ostriches have wings but can't fly. Still, earwigs wings are quite large, they are just tucked in very tightly. I can't think of any insect with wings that can't fly. There's also the possibilty that they are in an evolutionary transition.

So... when would they fly? at night? during mating? I know that if you throw one off a ledge it'll just fall.

I'm aware that there are a lot of different species of earwigs... a few thousand i think. any input on this would be a great help.

Many cannot fly, many others have wings but are reluctant. Dermaptera? is the species[I think]. You might have to research the particular species name for the answers you require. - That's all I remember.

well from a pest control site and the rspb, they say both species of earwig can fly

Although common earwigs can fly they are reluctant to do so and the Lesser earwig flies much more readily.

here a link to an american site too

http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/veg/european_earwig.htm