HEMIMERUS  , an Orthopterous or Dermapterous

insect, the sole representative of the family Hemimeridae, which has affinities with both the Forfeculidae • (earwigs) and the Blattidae (cock-roaches) . Only two species have been discovered, both from West Africa . The better known of these (H. hanseni) lives upon a large rat-like rodent (Cricetomys gambianus) feeding perhaps upon its external parasites, perhaps upon scurf and other dermal products . Like many epizoic or parasitic insects, Hemimerus is wingless, eyeless and has relatively short and strong legs . Correlated also with its mode of life is the curious fact that it is viviparous, the young being born in an advanced stage of growth .