The Latvian Entomological Society (LEB) has chosen the earwig (Dermaptera) as the 2021 insect of the year. They are well-known to many, yet at the same time, they remain rather mysterious and perhaps even a little intimidating. But is there any reason for concern when encountering an earwig? Should you try to get rid of them in your garden? How many different species of earwigs are found in Latvia? These and other questions are what we will try to clarify this year, with a special emphasis on the role of earwigs in nature and dispelling myths about their dangerousness. And as always, as part of the insect of the year campaign, we will strive to obtain valuable data on the distribution of earwig species found in Latvia with the help of the wider public.