
Community identification
Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum
- Order & Family
- Order: Zygentoma, Family: Lepismatidae
- Size
- 12–19 mm (0.5–0.75 inches) in length
Natural Habitat
Inhabits moist, dark environments like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics; often found among paper or textiles.
Diet & Feeding
Consumes starchy substances and polysaccharides, including book bindings, carpet, clothing, glue, hair, paper, and food crumbs.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and extremely fast-moving; they undergo incomplete metamorphosis and can live up to eight years, capable of surviving for months without food.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to human health as they do not bite or spread disease, but they are considered household pests because they damage personal property like books, photos, and clothing.