Evolution of Ectoparastism in Earwigs (Insect: Dermaptera)

Authors

Michael Naegle, Brigham Young University
Dr. Michael Whiting, Brigham Young University

Keywords

ectoparastism, earwigs, dermaptera, Arixeniidae

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Dermaptera (earwigs) is a small order of insects, typically characterized by the presence of cerci on the abdomen that are modified into forceps-like appendages (Giles, 1963). Dermaptera includes approximately 2200 extant species comprising 11 families (Kocarek 2013). The majority of earwigs are free-living feeding on detritus and other plant material (Sakai 1987). Two families, Arixeniidae and Hemimeridae are ectoparasitic, associating with Malay Peninsula bats and giant murid rats of sub- Saharan Africa respectively (Jarvis 2005).

Recommended Citation

Naegle, Michael and Whiting, Dr. Michael (2014) "Evolution of Ectoparastism in Earwigs (Insect: Dermaptera)," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 715.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/715