The Insect Mall

Question: Do those pincher insects use that claw thing as defense?

(Posted by: Adam on 2009-12-26 11:21:01)

You know that claw looking thing on their behind. Do they use that as self defense against humans? If so does it hurt? Thanks.

Posted by: clcprodigy on 2009-12-26, 11:44:29

Ear wigs can't really hurt a human with its pincher's, you can find in the source that there are myths of earwigs entering the human brain through the ear canal, and there have been instances of earwigs getting into the human ear. Never has been documented beyond that point however. They do use the pincher to eat other bugs, and foliage, and fruit, they're omnivorous. Not known to be a factor in spreading disease either. Pincher was mentioned as some means in it's sexual behavior also

Posted by: Truckks on 2009-12-26, 11:27:03

Yes, and not only humans. i cant tell if hurts because ive never been bitten by one, but i would assume its like a bee sting.

Posted by: Lar on 2009-12-26, 11:30:24

To some extent yes, but they are small enough that they can not get a good pinch to cause harm

Posted by: cajundude1 on 2009-12-26, 15:47:53

Pinchers are not located on the tail. It sounds like you saw earwigs. They are practically harmless when it comes to attacking you.