Silverfish
Lepisma saccharina
- Order & Family
- Order Zygentoma, Family Lepismatidae
- Size
- 12–19 mm (0.5–0.75 inches) in length
Natural Habitat
Dark, damp, and cool areas such as basements, attics, kitchens, and bathrooms. They are often found near sources of moisture and starchy materials.
Diet & Feeding
They consume matter containing polysaccharides, such as starches and dextrin in adhesives. This includes book bindings, wallpaper paste, paper, photographs, sugar, coffee, hair, dandruff, and some synthetic fabrics.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and extremely fast-moving, they avoid light and prefer high humidity (75% to 95%). Their life cycle from egg to adult takes several months, and they can live for up to eight years.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans, but they are considered significant household pests because they damage property like books, clothing, and food stores. They do not provide significant benefits to a home ecosystem.