The earwigs occurring in Kansas are summarized, figured, and a key to aid their identification is provided. The biology and general evolution of the order is briefly overviewed and the higher classification of Dermaptera summarized, with the following new names proposed: Neodermaptera (= Forficulina auctorum), †Eodermaptera, Epidermaptera, Metadermaptera, Eteodermaptera, Plesiodermaptera, †Turanodermidae, and †Turanoviidae. A key to dermapteran genera occurring north of Mexico is provided.