5. European Earwigs: Maternal Aftercare
After mating, female European earwigs exhibit remarkable maternal care by guarding their eggs and young. They lay 20 to 80 eggs in underground chambers, remaining with them throughout the winter. The mother continuously turns the eggs to prevent fungal growth and defends them from predators. Upon hatching, she provides protection, grooming, and food, enhancing offspring survival. This behavior underscores the extended reproductive strategies in some insect species. (sciencenews.org)