
Community identification
Silverfish
Lepisma saccharina
- Order & Family
- Order Zygentoma, Family Lepismatidae
- Size
- 12 to 19 millimeters long
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.