Earwigs (order Dermaptera) can be found all over the world. The name "earwig" came from a superstitious story that was told in Europe. It was believed that at night "ear" wigs would crawl into the ears of people, burrow into their brain and lay there eggs. This story is completely false. Earwigs do not generally hurt humans, but if handled carelessly earwigs can deliver a mild pinch with their powerful pincher located at the very end of their abdomen. This pincher is used for catching prey and mating.