What does the common earwig use the pair of forceps for?

The common earwig or European earwig is an omnivorous insect in the family 'Forficulidae'.

The name earwig comes from the appearance of the hindwings, which are unique and distinctive among insects, and resemble a human ear when unfolded. However, they are considered a pest because of the damage they do to crops, their frightening appearance, their ability to fly (which they rarely use), foul odor, and tendency to invade crevices in homes and consume pantry foodstuffs.

Forficula auricularia is reddish-brown in color, with a flattened and elongated body, and slender, beaded antennae. An obvious feature of earwigs is the pair of 'pincers' or forceps at the tip of the flexible abdomen. Both sexes have these pincers; in males, they are large and very curved, whereas in females they are straight. These pincers are used to capture prey, defend themselves and fold their wings under the short tegmina.