EARWIG

This FEMALE Earwig I found in the Harlequin-infested lower paddock.

One can tell it is a female, as her "cerci" (forceps at the rear of the insect), are not particularly hooked. The male on the other hand, has larger, obviously hooked cerci.

The name earwig comes from old english eare "ear" and wicga "insect". It is related to the fanciful notion that earwigs burrow into the brains of humans through the ear and therein lay their eggs. This belief, however, is false. Nevertheless, being flightless, exploratory and omnivorous, earwigs probably do crawl into the human ear; even if they are only looking for a humid crevice in which to hide.