next message in archive
next message in thread
previous message in archive
previous message in thread
Index of Subjects
H7AnkmIDYK+g+1G0SZByZDGhQzDhktRHAP8A0F2xOVJe0E+RKDF60XGw+4tSMkJiNkM Some earwig notes: Most students react with disgust to earwigs, a big ICK! factor. For more than 15 years I have been trying to get my entomology students to convince others that earwigs should be revered (well at least respected). Humans generally think maternal behaviour is a plus. Among insects earwigs, including the European Earwig that is so common in most areas with lots of people in Nova Scotia, look after their young far more than most. Females construct a little tunnel in a dark damp place. In the tunnel she lays eggs. Dark, damp places have lots of fungi. Many fungi readily 'eat' insect eggs. How to protect the eggs? Female earwigs groom their eggs. They lick them, eating the fungus that might have started growing on them. As well their saliva has antibiotics in it that slow the growth of fungi on the eggs. This often continues through the first larval instar as well. I also think earwigs get a bad reputation for other reasons. They do not harm to people. ................. You and my sister should talk. She thinks they are neat too. I don't ..........tried but don'ta nd am even sorry about that Marg Millard, White Point ,Queens. http://MargMillard.ca
next message in archive
next message in thread
previous message in archive
previous message in thread
Index of Subjects