Provisional Checklist of the Dermaptera (Earwigs)
of Brackenridge Field Laboratory and Surrounding Areas

Prepared by R.W. Patrock (6 November 1988)

Dermaptera is a minor order with about 1200 species worldwide and about 20 species in the United States, many of which are introduced. There is no comprehensive treatment of the earwigs. Earwigs are primarily nocturnal and terrestrial, inhabiting moist, secluded places in wood, litter and soil. They can be collected easily by placing boards out in the open, underwhich they like to aggregate. The female lays her eggs in burrows in ground or debris and guards them until they hatch (some species protect the early nymphs as well). The eggs are licked almost constantly, probably to prevent the growth of fungi on their surface, though this has not been demonstrated. They are omnivorous in the U.S.; ectoparasitic species are found in Africa and the East Indies. Euborellia annulipes, the most common earwig at B.F.L. can be an important predator of various lawn pests. As with many other insect groups, the earwigs have not been well surveyed at B.F.L. or in the Austin area. The intention of this checklist is to outline what is know to date about this fauna at B.F.L. and Texas. Determinations were made by the author and from the collection at Texas A &M.

Carcinophoridae

2. Eurobellia annulipes (Lucas) Ring-legged earwig (Sept.-Dec.) Introduced

Labiidae

3. Vostox brunneipennis (Serville) Brown-winged earwig