The earwigs are small to medium insects and usually have four wings. The forewings often appear skin-like. They are usually very short, leaving most of the abdomen exposed. The hind wings fold under the front wings. An earwig is equipped with a pair of forcep-like organs on the end of its abdomen, distinguishing it from the Coleoptera, in particular the rove beetle, which also has short wing covers. Earwigs have chewing mouthparts. The common name is derived from the erroneous superstition that they may crawl into peoples ears. Metamorphosis is gradual.
