Silverfish (Nymph or young)

Scientific Name: Lepisma saccharina

Order & Family: Order: Zygentoma (formerly Thysanura); Family: Lepismatidae

Size: 2mm to 12mm (0.08 to 0.47 inches) during early stages; adults reach up to 19mm.

Silverfish (Nymph or young)

Natural Habitat

Found in dark, damp environments such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics; they prefer high humidity.

Diet & Feeding

Carbohydrates and starches, including paper, book glue, wallpaper paste, clothing (cotton/linen), sugar, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast-moving; they molt throughout their lives (even as adults) and move with a swimming-like fish motion.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Household pest that damages books, paper, wallpaper, and clothing; can contaminate food. Benefits: Harmless to humans (do not bite or sting) and act as decomposers in nature.

Identified on: 3/11/2026