the ear-wig, in zoology, a genus of insects belonging to the order of coleoptera. The antennae are brittle; the elytra are dimidiated; the wings are covered; and the tail is forked. There are two species, viz. the auriculata, or common earwig, with the tops of the elytra white; and the minor, with testaceous and unpotted elytra.—It is a very troublesome creature, frequently introducing itself into the ears, and causing a great deal of pain by its biting; it likewise burrows in other parts of the body, which it bites in the same manner.

Ear-wigs are very mischievous vermin in gardens, especially where carnations are preserved; 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.