
Community identification
Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum
- Order & Family
- Order Zygentoma, Family Lepismatidae
- Size
- 13–25 mm (0.5–1 inch) in length
Natural Habitat
Damp, cool, and dark interior spaces such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics. They prefer environments with 75% to 95% humidity.
Diet & Feeding
Known for eating substances containing polysaccharides (starch or cellulose), including book bindings, carpet, clothing, glue, paper, photos, sugar, hair, and dandruff.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and fast-moving insects with a distinctive wiggle that resembles a swimming fish. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis and can live up to eight years.
Risks & Benefits
They are considered household pests as they can damage property like books and wallpaper. They are medically harmless to humans but can attract other predators like centipedes and spiders.