Insect of the order Dermaptera, with pair of movable pincers at end of abdomen; named from erroneous notion that it creeps into ears of sleeping persons. (From Compton's Encyclopedia Online)

FACTS:  Earwigs are of little importance except that they frequently become a nuisance in and around homes. They emit a disagreeable odor when crushed and are quite sinister in appearance. Common Texas species are predaceous, capturing smaller arthropods with large pincers located at the end of their abdomen and devouring them with their chewing mouthparts. The average length is about 1 inch, but some individuals may be 1 1/2 inches long.