Order Dermaptera, commonly known as earwigs, is a group of insects that belongs to the class Insecta. Synonyms for the term Order Dermaptera include "pincher bugs", "ear-piercers", or "forficulids". These insects are characterized by their distinctive pincers found at the end of their abdomen, which they use for defense and for capturing their prey. Earwigs are mostly nocturnal and are known to feed on a variety of materials, including plants, insects, and sometimes even decomposing animals. Some species of earwigs such as Forficula auricularia are considered pests, while others are beneficial for their role in consuming other insect pests. Despite their bad reputation, earwigs play an important role in the ecosystem, and their unique appearance and behavior make them an interesting subject for study.