Forficula auricularia aka European Earwig (male)

Though they frighten many, they are harmless but tend to take up habitation within the home. The name "earwig" comes from the rumor that these insects crawl into human ears and enter the brain, but this is false.
However, there have been cases of earwigs wandering into ears by mistake.
I remember my grandmother telling the 2 things that we should not play with is earwigs and centipedes because they can go inside our ears and get in our brains.
LOL
I know this is funny, but this is one of the reasons I've milipedophobia (afraid of centipedes), because I've been scared by this since I was a child.
Earwigs are also something I don't like a lot, but well It posed for me so why complain? ;)

The photos have been taken at night, so that's why there is low light. the males usually come at night.

I think I like the firebug better!! You have accomplished some tight focusing with these! RayNvb · 2010-12-08: 08:29

Great shots of that ugly nuisance! Around this area it's very damp and earwigs just love that kind of environment. They are very hard to control. ArtBee · 2010-12-08: 08:33

I love bugs as much as the next person, but this is one I truly can't take... nice shots though :) McMommy · 2010-12-08: 08:33

Very interesting set and text Ricky ! I don'tt like either these tiny creatures josy63 · 2010-12-08: 08:39

Very good post, Ricky! Now I can take my ear plugs out - right? danrav · 2010-12-08: 08:47

Great shots Ricky but Eeeeeew. Scary. ????? · 2010-12-08: 09:08

Neat shots. They aren't my favourite bugs. I think it those pincer things at the back whatever they are they look dangerous. Jarvo · 2010-12-08: 09:42

Ugly............ joycephotography · 2010-12-08: 09:46

They do nip a bit when I pick them up, I think its just the pincers clinging on. SADHYA · 2010-12-08: 10:17

Did you ever see "Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn"? These little guys would scare the poo out of you! #2 is a really great macro, Ricky. djnana · 2010-12-08: 10:59

brilliant macros, nice clear shots Marzijapan · 2010-12-08: 11:14

Awesome extreme close focus. Well done work! davidcardona · 2010-12-08: 11:22

I don't like this insect, but the post is very interesting, the pics too Francesc21 · 2010-12-08: 11:26

3. and 5. are excellent Ricky GKorts · 2010-12-08: 11:27

I think I'll have nightmares now after reading this!!!!!! LOL great shots though MoMac · 2010-12-08: 11:38

EWWWW!!! Nice shots, but EWWWW! ;) malquistfamily · 2010-12-08: 12:42

That tail is a little frightening... :-) wfrnk · 2010-12-08: 13:43

cool shots!! jennye · 2010-12-08: 15:31

brrrr "nice" :-) gapelzsolt · 2010-12-08: 16:35

great macro.... but eeeek.... cariad · 2010-12-08: 16:42

In macro, they become fearsome creatures. stabeez · 2010-12-08: 17:03

Super work Ricky !! finbarr · 2010-12-08: 17:08

I hate this bug. I'm really afraid of this ugly critters and ants. And I have to say that they're not so harmless... a female bit me and it hurts a lot!! ????? · 2010-12-08: 17:24

Don't like bugs but nice macros.. SunFlower1990 · 2010-12-08: 19:20

It's called "tvísterta" in Faroese, and some people really don't like it. Ole365 · 2010-12-08: 21:39

Ugh! :) livelovelaugh · 2010-12-08: 23:05

I dont't like it but I like your shots !! (^^) Yokai · 2010-12-09: 01:31

eew :) DrunkWeasel · 2010-12-09: 14:54

I don't know why, but the Earwig is one of the things that scares me more! ...apart from the dark, greasy stains, the hoover, the elevator, pimples, blood, electricity..... YUKJA · 2010-12-09: 16:58

nice shots nataliemanco · 2010-12-10: 00:42

As bicha-cadelas e centopeias sao minhas maiores inimigas, dão me arrepios! Ainda bem que esta não consegue saltar do ecrã! :)) Unchained · 2010-12-11: 05:12

LOL kuku ..Wonderful! Kozuka · 2010-12-13: 23:29

Ugly bug, but great shots! wildduck · 2010-12-14: 12:52

Tagged: earwig macro