Female earwigs may also use their forceps as weapons in battles for mates

Female earwigs may also use their forceps as weapons in battles for mates

A new study from Toho University reveals that female earwigs exhibit a similar pattern of exaggerated forceps growth as males, suggesting that both sexes may have evolved these traits through sexual selection.

Female Earwigs: Have Their Forceps Evolved as Weapons in Mating Battles?

In the intricate world of evolutionary biology, sexual selection has long been recognized as a driving force behind the development of extravagant physical traits, often manifesting as dramatic displays or formidable weapons among males competing for mates. Classic examples include the enormous antlers of elk, the vibrant coloration of male birds, and the oversized claws of fiddler crabs. Yet, the role of females in this evolutionary theater, pa…