those odd dermapterans

LinkThis zine starts out with a simple rebus that leads us to its topic:

Lobe + Hair?

No.

Ear + Wig = EARWIG

Where did this odd name come from? There are some clues if we look closely at the root of the word (the etymology of entomology!)

One of the the less-liked insects, even the supposedly scientifically objective Ohio State Agricultural Extension can't helped but describe the earwig ("dermapterans" in the scientific lingo) in its factsheet thusly:

"They have a frightful appearance, move rapidly around baseboards at the ground level, and may emit a foul-smelling, yellowish-brown liquid from their scent glands."

Hmm. Not a strong endorsement.

Nevertheless, some find a certain charm in these creatures, and indeed in you look more closely at them there are some surprisingly elegant aspects to what appear to be otherwise a fairly wigglely bug.

This zine by Lyra Hill explores and illustrates a very short but nice introduction to these insects.

See what the creator says about it on her blog and feel free to download a printable copy by clicking on the cover above...

...to read as a web comic, just click or the image below: