Earwigs are insects that belong to the order Dermaptera, which means "skin wings" in Greek. Despite their name, earwigs do not have wings that are capable of sustained flight. However, they do have wings that are modified into short, leathery structures known as tegmina, which are used for protection and to help balance the insect when it is crawling or falling.
The tegmina of earwigs are not functional for sustained flight. Instead, they are used to help the insect glide short distances or to provide a protective covering for their hindwings, which are membranous and used for short bursts of flight. Earwigs are capable of lifting their wings and using them to control their descent when falling from a height or to navigate between plants.
In general, earwigs are not known for their ability to fly. They are mostly ground-dwelling insects and are more adept at crawling and hiding in tight spaces than flying. However, in some cases, earwigs may be seen in flight, particularly when they are disturbed or when they are seeking a new location to hide or feed.
There are over 2,000 species of earwigs, and some species may have adaptations that allow them to fly or glide for longer distances. However, these species are the exception rather than the rule, and the vast majority of earwigs do not have functional wings for sustained flight.