Earwigs

Entomology

"Earwigs Unveiled: Their Global Diversity, Life Cycle, and Surprising Role in Fly Fishing"

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Latin: Dermaptera — Relevance to Fly Fishing

Earwigs are insects recognized for their pincer-like cerci and the widespread myth that they crawl into human ears.

Where to Find Earwigs

The map below shows global observations of earwigs, illustrating their widespread distribution. Note that the order Dermaptera includes numerous families and thousands of species.

Diversity and Distribution

The insect order Dermaptera, commonly called earwigs, comprises around 2,000 known species. These insects are distinguished by their elongated bodies and forceps-like cerci at the abdomen’s tip. Dermaptera is divided into roughly 12 families, with Forficulidae being the most well-known.

Earwigs inhabit diverse environments worldwide, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Their range spans North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Life Cycle of Earwigs

Earwigs undergo four life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The duration of each stage varies by species and is influenced by temperature, humidity, and food availability.

Females lay eggs in soil or leaf litter, depending on the species. Nymphs hatch and feed on plant matter, fungi, and small insects, molting several times before reaching adulthood. Adults maintain similar diets and are primarily nocturnal.

Earwigs and Fly Fishing

While not a primary fish food source, earwigs near water may attract opportunistic fish. Fly fishers can benefit from carrying patterns that imitate these insects:

  • Earwig Patterns: Designed to replicate the insect’s elongated body and cerci, these flies feature slim bodies and tail-like appendages, often tied with dubbing and hackle fibers. Though uncommon, they’re useful in areas where earwigs are prevalent.
  • Nymph Patterns: Similar to adult patterns but adjusted in size and color to match local nymphs. Many existing nymph flies can effectively imitate earwigs with minor modifications.

Including a few earwig-inspired flies in your box could prove advantageous in the right conditions.

"Earwigs Unveiled: Their Global Diversity, Life Cycle, and Surprising Role in Fly Fishing"

Entomology

"Twisted-Winged Parasites: The Hidden World of Strepsiptera and Their Surprising Global Impact"

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Latin: Strepsiptera — Relevance to Fly Fishing:

Strepsiptera, or twisted-winged parasites, are insects with reduced wings, known for their unusual parasitic life cycle.

Global Distribution of Twisted-Winged Parasites

The map below shows recorded observations of Strepsiptera worldwide, highlighting their broad distribution. This class includes numerous families and thousands of species.

"Twisted-Winged Parasites: The Hidden World of Strepsiptera and Their Surprising Global Impact"

Diversity and Distribution

The insect order Strepsiptera comprises approximately 600 known species. These parasites are distinguished by their unique life cycle, with males possessing twisted wings. Major families include Stylopidae, Mengenillidae, and Corioxenidae, each containing multiple genera.

Strepsiptera thrive in temperate and tropical regions across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. They inhabit diverse environments—forests, grasslands, and even urban areas—where they parasitize hosts such as bees, wasps, and grasshoppers.

Life Cycle of Strepsiptera

The Strepsiptera life cycle is complex: females remain endoparasitic inside hosts, while males live freely. The four stages—egg, larva, pupa, and adult—vary in duration depending on species, temperature, humidity, and host availability.

Females lay eggs in the environment. Upon hatching, first-instar larvae actively seek insect hosts. Once inside, they feed on host tissues. Male larvae eventually pupate and emerge as free-living adults, while females mature into neotenic, permanently parasitic adults within the host.

Strepsiptera and Fly Fishing

Due to their parasitic nature and low abundance, Strepsiptera are irrelevant to fly fishing. They primarily infest other insects and are not part of fish diets. Their life cycle occurs almost entirely within hosts, making accidental encounters in water extremely rare.

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Fish

"Beetles in Fly Fishing: A Guide to Their Diversity, Life Cycle, and Best Imitation Patterns"

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Beetles (Latin: Coleoptera)

Coleoptera, or beetles, are diverse insects characterized by hardened wing covers that protect their delicate hindwings.

Global Distribution of Beetles

The map below shows beetle observations worldwide, highlighting their broad distribution. Note that Coleoptera encompasses numerous families and thousands of species.

Diversity and Habitat

Beetles (Coleoptera) are the largest insect group, with over 350,000 known species. They thrive in nearly every habitat, including forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and even aquatic environments. Well-known examples include ladybugs, weevils, and fireflies.

Life Cycle

Beetles undergo four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The duration of each stage varies by species and is influenced by temperature, humidity, and food availability.

Females lay eggs in substrates like plant tissue, soil, or decaying matter. Larvae feed on plants, fungi, or other insects before pupating and transforming into adults.

Beetles in Fly Fishing

Many fly patterns imitate adult or larval beetles. Key examples include:

  • Beetle Patterns: Adult beetles are a crucial fish food source, especially in warmer months when they frequently land on water. Carry varied sizes and colors.
  • Ladybug Patterns: These red-and-black beetles occasionally attract fish near water.

    • "Beetles in Fly Fishing: A Guide to Their Diversity, Life Cycle, and Best Imitation Patterns"

  • Aquatic Beetle Patterns: Whirligig and water scavenger beetles live in water and are prey for fish. Imitations often feature streamlined bodies for realistic movement.

Fly Patterns Mimicking Beetles

Since beetles comprise thousands of species, fly patterns vary widely, targeting different life stages (larvae, pupae, adults).

(Note: If a map or visual was originally included, add a caption like: "Figure: Global distribution of beetle observations.")

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