How many pairs of wings do earwigs typically have?

Earwigs typically possess one pair of wings. However, it is important to understand the specific characteristics of these insects. Earwigs belong to the order Dermaptera, and while they are known for having a pair of wings, most species only utilize these wings for gliding, rather than sustained flight. Their wings are membranous and fold over their bodies when not in use.

The confusion in the question about having two pairs may arise from the presence of wing-like structures in some species, but these do not count as a full second pair. In most cases, earwigs have a well-developed pair of wings, making them capable of some gliding behavior, but they do not have an additional set of wings like some other insects. Additionally, earwigs are often recognized more for their pincers than their wings, which tends to overshadow the wing structure in discussions about their anatomy and behavior.