
Community identification
Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum
- Order & Family
- Order: Zygentoma, Family: Lepismatidae
- Size
- 12-19 mm (0.5 to 0.75 inches) in length excluding tails.
Natural Habitat
Dark, damp, and high-humidity environments such as basements, attics, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Diet & Feeding
Scavengers that consume carbohydrates and starches found in books, wallpaper paste, clothing, and household dust.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal insects known for their fast, fish-like swimming movements. They undergo a three-stage life cycle: egg, nymph, and adult.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans as they do not bite or carry disease, but are considered pests as they can damage property like books and fabrics.