Latin: Dermaptera — Relevance to Fly Fishing:
Earwigs are insects known for their pincer-like cerci and the misconception that they crawl into human ears.
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.
Years 2000 until now, source: GBIF
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.
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.
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:
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Each order has an indication of its relevance to fly fishing:
= Not so relevant
= Somewhat relevant
= Most relevant
Megaloptera
Hymenoptera
Coleoptera
Psocoptera
Archaeognatha
Lepidoptera
Trichoptera
Blattodea
Odonata
Siphonaptera
Orthoptera
Neuroptera
Mantodea
Ephemeroptera
Mecoptera
Raphidioptera
Phasmida
Plecoptera
Thysanoptera
Hemiptera
Diptera
Strepsiptera
Embioptera
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