Forficula

/fɔrˈfɪkjələ/ noun

Definition

A genus of insects commonly known as earwigs, characterized by pincers at the rear of their bodies.

Etymology

New Latin genus name derived from Latin 'forfex' (scissors), named descriptively for the scissors-like cerci of these insects.

Kelly Says

Forficula auricularia, the common European earwig, spread worldwide on ships carrying crops—and despite the scary name, they're actually gentle creatures that eat garden pests!

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