ORDER II.
EUPLEXOPTERA.
Forficulidæ—Ear-wigs.
The vulgar opinion that the Ear-wig, Forficula auricularia, seeks to introduce itself into the ear of human beings, and causes much injury to that organ, is very ancient, but not founded on fact, for they are perfectly harmless. To this opinion the names of this insect in almost all European languages point: as in English, Ear-wig (from Anglo-Saxon eare, the ear, and wigga, a worm; hence, also, our word wiggle), in French, Perce-oreille, and in the German, Ohrwurm. But, according to some writers, these names arose from the shape of the wing when expanded, which then resembles the human ear; and ear-wig might easily be a corruption of ear-wing.
Swift, in the following lines, introduces an “Ear-wig (probably a Curculio) in a plum,” as though in allusion to some superstition:
“Oil of Ear-wigs,” says Dr. James, “is good to strengthen the nerves under convulsive motions, by rubbing it on the temples, wrists, and nostrils. These insects, being dried, pulverized, and mixed with the urine of a hare, are esteemed to be good for deafness, being introduced into the ear.”240
In August, 1755, in the parishes adjacent to Stroud, it is said there were such quantities of Ear-wigs, that they destroyed not only the fruits and flowers, but the cabbages, though of full growth. The houses, especially the old wooden buildings, were swarming with them: the cracks and crevices surprisingly full, so that they dropped out oftentimes in such multitudes as to literally cover the floor. Linen, of which they are fond, was likewise full, as was the furniture; and it was with caution any provisions could be eaten, for the cupboards and safes flocked with these little pests.241