
Community identification
Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum
- Order & Family
- Order: Zygentoma; Family: Lepismatidae
- Size
- 12 to 19 mm (0.5 to 0.75 inches)
Natural Habitat
Dark, damp environments with high humidity like attics, basements, bathrooms, and under sinks
Diet & Feeding
Carbohydrates such as sugar and starches found in paper, glue, clothing, oat, flour, and dead insects
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal, fast-moving, wingless insects that move in a fish-like wiggling motion
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite humans or carry diseases but are household pests that can damage books, wallpaper, fabrics, and dry food goods