Crossword Genius

I wager the creeper looks different (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earwig

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'creeper looks different' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'i wager' is the wordplay.
'i wager' anagrams to 'EARWIG'.
Though, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earwig that I've seen before include "Aural kind of insect" , "An insect, I wager (anag.)" , "An insect; to eavesdrop (slang)" , "Common garden insect" , "Fork-tailed insect" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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