
Community identification
Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum
- Order & Family
- Zygentoma: Lepismatidae
- Size
- 12-19 mm (0.5-0.75 inches)
Natural Habitat
Moist, dark environments such as basements, bathrooms, and attics.
Diet & Feeding
Starches, sugars, adhesives, book bindings, and household dust.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal, fast-moving, and avoids light. They undergo simple metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can live for several years.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans but can damage personal property like books, wallpaper, and clothing. They are an important food source for spiders and centipedes.