FORFICULA, the EAR-WIG, in zoology, a genus of insects belonging to the order of coleoptera. The antennæ are bristly; the elytra are dimidiated; the wings are covered; and the tail is forked. There are two species, viz. the auricularia, or common ear-wig, with the tops of the elytra white; and the minor, with testaceous and unspotted elytra.—This genus of insects is one of the best known, the forceps at the extremity of their abdomen forming a very distinctive character. It is this seeming weapon that has occasioned those insects to be called forficula in Latin; and the formidable name of ear-wigs has been given them in English, from a notion that the insect frequently introduces itself into the ears, causing great pain, and even death. Mr. Barbut, however, assures us, that the forceps which the ear-wig carries at his tail, and with which he seems provided for his defence, is not so formidable as it at first appears, being destitute of strength sufficient to produce the least sensible impression. The larva of the ear-wig differs very little from the perfect insect.
Ear-wigs are very mischievous vermin in gardens, especially where carnations are preferred; for they are so fond of these flowers, that if care is not taken to prevent them, they will entirely destroy them, by eating off the sweet part at the bottom of the petals or leaves. To prevent which, most people have stands erected, which have a basin of earth or lead round each supporter, which is constantly kept filled with water. Others hang the hollow claws of crabs and lobsters upon sticks in divers parts of the garden into which those vermin get; and by often searching them, you will destroy them without much trouble, which will be of great service to your wall-fruit, for these are great destroyers also of all soft fruits.