Bug Identifier
Silverfish
Community identification

Silverfish

Lepisma saccharina

Order & Family
Order Zygentoma, Family Lepismatidae
Size
12 to 19 millimeters long
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Dark, damp environments such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens, favoring high humidity.

Diet & Feeding

Carbohydrates and proteins, including paper, book bindings, wallpaper paste, glue, and starches.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, wingless, and fast-running insects that avoid light and reproduce slowly in humid conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans and pets, but can damage books, paper goods, and textiles in household infestations.