Earwigs, small insects recognized by the prominent pincer-like appendages, or cerci, at the rear of their abdomen, belong to the order Dermaptera, which literally translates to “skin wings.” Despite this classification, the answer to whether they can fly is not universal across the more than 2,000 known species. While many earwig species possess the anatomical structures for flight, they rarely use this ability. Their preference for crawling in dark, moist environments means that witnessing an earwig in flight is uncommon.
Not All Species Possess Flight Capability
The presence and functionality of wings vary significantly throughout the earwig order, meaning flight capability is entirely species-dependent. Many common species, such as the European earwig (Forficula auricularia), possess fully developed wings and are structurally capable of flying. This invasive species has functioning wings that enable occasional short flights, typically for dispersal.
However, other species have wings that are vestigial, meaning they are underdeveloped or too small to support flight, or they may entirely lack the structures for flight. For example, the native ring-legged earwig (Euborellia annulipes) often lacks the leathery wing covers and the delicate hindwings entirely. The absence of wings is common in species adapted to isolated or subterranean habitats.
The Unique Structure of Earwig Wings
For the species that do possess the ability to fly, their wing anatomy is one of the most remarkable features in the insect world. Earwigs have two sets of wings: the short, hardened forewings (tegmina or elytra), and the large, membranous hindwings. The forewings are leathery and serve primarily as protective covers, shielding the delicate flight wings beneath.
The hindwings are the true flying structures, notable for their complex, fan-shaped folding mechanism. When fully extended, these semicircular wings can be up to ten times larger than the protective forewings, representing one of the highest folding ratios in the animal kingdom. To achieve this extreme compactness, the hindwings fold both radially, like an accordion fan, and then transversely to fit neatly beneath the tegmina.
This intricate process is often compared to origami, allowing the insect to quickly transition from a terrestrial state to an aerial one. The wing structure is also bistable, meaning it can lock into both its fully open and fully closed positions without requiring continuous muscle effort. This self-locking property is achieved through the elastic properties of specialized joints containing the protein resilin.
Why Flight is Rarely Witnessed
Despite the engineering marvel of their wings, earwigs are not commonly seen flying because their flight is clumsy, erratic, and energetically expensive. They are generally considered poor fliers, a trait supported by their relatively underdeveloped flight muscles compared to insects that rely on aerial movement. Crawling remains their primary mode of transportation, which is more efficient for navigating their preferred habitat of leaf litter, mulch, and soil crevices.
Flight is reserved for specific, high-stakes situations rather than routine travel. Earwigs may take short, gliding flights when immediately disturbed by a predator or when conditions in their current location become unfavorable, such as excessive dryness or a lack of food. More sustained flight is typically used for necessary dispersal, such as finding a new food source, locating a mate during breeding season, or establishing a new colony. Their nocturnal habits also contribute to the rarity of human observation.