Common Silverfish
Scientific Name: Lepisma saccharinum
Order & Family: Order Zygentoma, Family Lepismatidae
Size: 12 to 19 mm (0.5 to 0.75 inches) in length
Natural Habitat
Damp, dark areas such as basements, bathrooms, and attics, often found near starchy sources like book bindings or cardboard.
Diet & Feeding
Starchy substances, including book bindings, wallpaper paste, cereal, and clothing made of natural fibers.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and extremely fast runners; they prefer high humidity and undergo a simple metamorphosis (ametabolism).
Risks & Benefits
They are considered household pests as they can damage property and papers, but they do not transmit diseases to humans.
Identified on: 1/10/2026