Earwigs
02 Jun 2025
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Earwigs
Latin: Dermaptera — Relevance to Fly Fishing:
Earwigs are insects known for their pincer-like cerci and the misconception that they crawl into human ears.
Where you can find Earwigs
On this map you see where there were observations of Earwigs around the world. This will give you an idea of the global distribution of this class. Note that a class can have many different families, and thousands of species.
Diversity and distribution
The insect class Dermaptera, commonly known as earwigs, comprises around 2,000 known species. These insects are characterized by their elongated bodies and distinctive forcep-like cerci at the end of their abdomen. Dermaptera is divided into approximately 12 families and numerous genera, with the most well-known family being Forficulidae.
Dermaptera can be found in a wide range of countries across the globe, inhabiting diverse environments such as forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. Their distribution extends across North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Life cycles of Dermaptera
The life cycle of earwigs consists of four stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The duration of each stage varies among species and can be influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, and food availability.
Female earwigs lay their eggs in various places, such as soil or leaf litter, depending on the species. Upon hatching, the nymphs begin to feed on a variety of materials, including plant matter, fungi, and other small insects. As they grow, nymphs undergo several molts before ultimately reaching adulthood. Adult earwigs continue to feed on similar food sources as nymphs and are known for their nocturnal habits.
Dermaptera and fly fishing
While Dermaptera insects are not typically considered a primary food source for fish, their occasional presence near water can make them a potential target for opportunistic fish species. In such situations, fly fishers may find it useful to have a few patterns that imitate these insects. Some Dermaptera-inspired flies include:
Earwig patterns: earwig patterns are designed to mimic the elongated body and forcep-like cerci of earwigs. These flies are typically tied with slim bodies and extended tail-like appendages, using materials such as dubbing and hackle fibers. They're not very common, but if the location that you're going is known for these insects, it's worth putting a few in a your fly box.
Nymph patterns: nymph patterns for earwigs can be similar to adult patterns, with adjustments in size and color to match the local nymph population. As nymphs closely resemble adult earwigs, the same fly pattern can often be used to imitate both life stages. Look around in your fly box to determine which flies resemble an earwig insect.
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