Chief Earwig
Marava arachidis
This record describes Marava arachidis (species). Recorded family: Spongiphoridae. Recorded order: Dermaptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Marava arachidis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marava_arachidis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Dermaptera (Earwigs)
- Family
- Spongiphoridae (Little Earwigs)
- Subfamily
- Spongiphorinae
- Genus
- Marava
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
mostly in stored products
Geographic Range
circumtropical, spread with commerce, established in southernmost states (FL―CA) ?? e. US - Map (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Marava arachidis Yersin 1860
About Earwigs: the wider group
Order-level background for Dermaptera, the group containing Marava arachidis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Dermaptera (earwigs) includes ~2,000 described species. Despite their fearsome-looking pincers (cerci), earwigs are harmless to humans. The name 'earwig' comes from the Old English 'earwicga' meaning 'ear creature' - an old superstition that they crawl into ears.
Ecological role of the group
Earwigs are among the few insect orders where mothers actively care for their eggs and young - female earwigs guard their eggs, clean them to prevent mold, and protect nymphs until their second molt.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Earwigs can be minor garden pests, feeding on seedlings and soft fruits, but they also consume large numbers of aphids and other pest insects, providing natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Entomological research, University extension services. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Chief Earwig (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , metrioptera