Perplexed
Hi, and thank you for taking the time to read this email.
I noticed a small (maybe 1/4") insect on the tip of a thorn of a small cactus in my back yard a couple weeks ago. I didn’t think much of it, but decided to take a close-up photo of it last Sunday; after reviewing the photo, I was shocked to see that the insect was in fact impaled! Since that time, I’ve wondered how this could have happened. I sent an email, including the same attached photos (two different cameras), to an entomologist at a local university and received the following response: "The earwig you see impaled could have been blown by the wind. They have been very strong lately. I see this with winged male ants after a mating flight. Great photos!" With all due respect to the PhD. who replied to my question, I still don’t see how this could have happened, even in a high-wind environment (in my estimation, the winds haven’t been THAT strong in So. Cal.). Also, notice that the earwig is impaled on a vertical thorn, meaning that the wind gust which led to its demise had to be strong enough to lift it off the ground then pound it down on the thorn with sufficient force to pierce its hardened thorax… incredible. I’m totally perplexed. I would be interested to hear whatever thoughts or opinions you may have about this. As I told the PhD. at Cal Poly Pomona, this is not a joke or an altered photo, and no one goes into my back yard other than me. Thanks again for your time,
Richard Marr
San Dimas, CA

Hi Richard,
First of all, we don’t think our art degrees can stack up to a PhD in Entomology, but we do have another thought. The wind or some other freak accident of nature could be responsible, and I doubt if you have the resources to call in the CSI to see if foul play could be afoot. Our theory is a bird. Some birds, including we believe jays (and shrikes), are known to impail insects on thorns and return for a meal later. That is the best we can offer.

Update (03/29/2006)
Hi bugman. The SHRIKES- either Loggerhead or Northern – frequently impale insects on twigs and thorns as a way of “putting food aside for later”. Both species can be found in CA in winter.
Jill

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unknown critter
Hello WTB,
After an hour of surfing the web and looking at hundreds of pictures of bugs I am still yet to learn what kind of bug I found crawling around my apartment. I am coming to you in search of answers. I noticed this particular insect when I was cleaning my room the other day and became extremely curious as to what kind of bug this is, considering I have never seen it before. It is no longer than a thumbnail. It’s body is black, but it’s legs are a very light brown color (almost transparent). It’s body is oddly shaped and has a pincher or "claw" on it’s backside. I will say that it is a very strong critter because it took a lot more than I expected to kill it (I know, I know, I probably shouldn’t have killed it, but I did not know what it was and it creeped me out). I assume that it uses it’s "claw" to catch things to eat because before it died I poked it’s pincher with a small wooden skewer and it closed its pincher on the skewer. Any information you might have as to what this insect may be will be oh so helpful to me.
Thank you,
Deborah
PS- I found it on my bedroom floor away not near an outside door. My location is in Lafayette, Louisiana if that is to any help. I also attached a sketch I drew of the specimen with a sketch of a fingernail file for reference to the size of the insect. Thanks again.

Hi Deborah,
We love your rendering of an Earwig. Those pincers are known as forceps and they do grasp prey as well as performing other tasks. They are omniverous feeders, sometimes doing damage in gardens. They love our roses. They are often attracted indoors, but are generally outdoor critters.

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what type of earwig is this?
Not knowing the first things about insects other than I see them everyday, this one caught my attention for some reason. After reading little about insects and more specifically earwigs within the past hour I was even more intrigued by this little guy. I read that they are nocturnal and look for dark moist areas to rest in during the day. When in fact this guy was actively pursuing another (live) bug in the hot south texas sun. The temperature is about 95 degrees and the sun is bearing down making the walkways a hundred plus. What was he doing “hunting” in the middle of the morning? Even more, what was he doing up in the hot sun? I also couldn’t help but notice that in comparison to all the artistic renderings as well as photos of earwigs, this guy is a little different. his circi (word I just learned by the way) is exceptionally longer and larger than any photo I have found. The tip is also different in that he has “hooks” at the end. This said, I was hoping you could help me identify this particular earwig. He is every bit 2″ in total length. Maybe he is a Texas Earwig. Little humor there. Thanks in advance for your response. If the pic does not open just throw a .jpg at the end. Sometimes my mac is contrary sending files to others. Thanks,
Andrew Harris

Hi Andrew,
When we need a real expert, we just write to Eric Eaton. He was very excited about your image and would like to see it posted on BugGuide, if you don’t mind. Here is his reply: ” Wow! Stupendous image of a linear earwig, Doru lineare. We could use this image on bugguide if the contributor wants to share. Very cool. “

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What’s this bug?
This is probably a common bug but I’ve never seen one before. It was on my front door here in Philadelphia. Does it use the tail to attack? If so what kind of enemies would it face? Thanks guys!
eFertLIS

Dear eFertLIS
You have sent in a photo of a common Earwig. They fly and are attracted to lights. Those foreceps can give a mild nip, but will not break the skin. They are used to catch and manipulate prey as well as to fend off enemies. Your Earwig is male European earwig, Forficula auricularia. Trophy male with those forceps!

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