Forkytail vs. Earwig — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 22, 2024
Forkytail and earwig refer to the same insect, known for its distinctive pincers at the rear; forkytail is a less common, colloquial term for earwig.
Difference Between Forkytail and Earwig
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Forkytail and earwig are both names for the same type of insect, belonging to the order Dermaptera. These insects are easily recognizable by the set of pincers or cerci at their posterior end. While "earwig" is the more formally recognized term, "forkytail" is colloquial and less commonly used.
The term "earwig" derives from an old wives' tale suggesting these insects could crawl into people's ears and lay eggs. On the other hand, "forkytail" directly references the distinctive forked appearance of their pincers, which are used for defense and mating displays.
Both terms describe an insect that is generally harmless to humans but can be a pest in gardens and crops. Earwigs feed on a variety of plants and insects, and their presence is often unwanted in agricultural and home settings.
The behavior of these insects is nocturnal; they are active at night and hide during the day under logs, rocks, and other debris. Whether called forkytails or earwigs, these insects share the same behaviors and ecological roles.
In terms of cultural perception, the term "earwig" is more widely recognized and used in scientific and educational contexts, while "forkytail" might be used more in casual speech or in specific regional dialects.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Common Name
Colloquial, less formal
Official, widely recognized
Origin of Name
Refers to the fork-like pincers
Myth about crawling into ears
Usage
Casual, regional dialects
Scientific, global
Perception
May be perceived as less formal
Commonly known, often disliked
Function of Name
Descriptive of physical trait
Derived from a myth
Compare with Definitions
Forkytail
Colloquial term for an insect known scientifically as an earwig, noted for its rear pincers.
The child was fascinated by the forkytail climbing up the plant.
Earwig
Subject of myths and misconceptions.
Despite the myths, an earwig will not crawl into a human ear.
Forkytail
Less common than the term earwig.
Not many people at the gardening club knew what a forkytail was.
Earwig
Known for its role in ecosystems, both as a pest and a predator.
Earwigs can help control aphid populations in gardens.
Forkytail
Used mainly in informal contexts or certain dialects.
Grandma used to warn us about forkytails in the old woodpile.
Earwig
Commonly found in various environments worldwide.
Earwigs are a common sight in both urban and rural settings.
Forkytail
Describes the appearance of the insect’s cerci.
The forkytail used its pincers to fend off the attacking spider.
Earwig
Featured in research and pest control studies.
Studies on earwig behavior help improve pest management strategies.
Forkytail
Sometimes used in storytelling or colloquial speech.
The story featured a forkytail that could whisper secrets.
Earwig
A small, nocturnal insect with distinctive pincers at its rear.
The earwig is often found in damp areas of the garden.
Forkytail
(Geordie) An earwig.
Earwig
Earwigs make up the insect order Dermaptera. With about 2,000 species in 12 families, they are one of the smaller insect orders.
Earwig
Any of various elongate insects of the order Dermaptera, having a pair of usually pincerlike appendages protruding from the rear of the abdomen. Also called dermapteran.
Earwig
To attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk.
Earwig
Any of various insects of the order Dermaptera that have elongated bodies, large membranous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings and a pair of large pincers protruding from the rear of the abdomen.
Earwig
One who whispers insinuations; a secret counsellor.
Earwig
A flatterer.
Earwig
(transitive) To fill the mind of with prejudice by insinuations.
Earwig
(transitive) To attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk.
Earwig
To eavesdrop.
Earwig
To eavesdrop on.
Earwig
Any insect of the genus Forficula and related genera, belonging to the order Dermaptera (formerly Euplexoptera). They have elongated bodies and a prominent pair of curved pincers at the rear of their abdomen.
Earwig
In America, any small chilopodous myriapod, esp. of the genus Geophilus. See Geophilus
Earwig
A whisperer of insinuations; a secret counselor.
Earwig
To influence, or attempt to influence, by whispered insinuations or private talk.
Earwig
Any of numerous insects of the order Dermaptera having elongate bodies and slender many-jointed antennae and a pair of large pincers at the rear of the abdomen
Common Curiosities
What is a forkytail?
A forkytail is a colloquial term for an earwig, an insect known for its distinctive pincers.
Why is it called an earwig?
The name "earwig" comes from an old myth that these insects could enter a person's ear.
What is an earwig?
An earwig is an insect from the order Dermaptera, recognizable by its cerci, or pincers, at the rear.
Do earwigs actually crawl into ears?
No, the idea that earwigs crawl into human ears is a myth and not supported by facts.
Are forkytails harmful to humans?
Forkytails, or earwigs, are not harmful to humans; they do not bite but can use their pincers in defense.
How do you control earwigs?
Controlling earwigs can involve removing hiding places, using traps, and maintaining dry conditions to deter them.
How can you tell an earwig from other insects?
Earwigs can be identified by their long, narrow bodies and the pincers at the end of their abdomen.
Where do forkytails live?
Forkytails live in moist, dark places like under logs or stones.
Can forkytails damage plants?
Yes, forkytails or earwigs can damage plants by eating leaves and soft plant parts.
What do earwigs eat?
Earwigs are omnivores, eating a mix of plant material and other insects.
What are the benefits of earwigs in the garden?
Earwigs can benefit gardens by eating other insects and decomposing plant material.
Do earwigs fly?
Some species of earwigs have wings and can fly, though they are not known for being strong fliers.
Are forkytails common?
While the term "forkytail" is less common, the insect it refers to, the earwig, is quite common.
How do earwigs reproduce?
Earwigs lay eggs, and the female often protects the eggs and young, which is unusual for insects.
What is the difference between a forkytail and an earwig?
There is no difference; "forkytail" is just a less common name for the earwig.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Keffiyeh vs. Shemagh
Next Comparison
Decapacitate vs. IncapacitateAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
