Silverfish

Scientific Name: Lepisma saccharinum

Order & Family: Zygentoma, Lepismatidae

Size: 12–19 mm (0.5–0.75 inches)

Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Damp, cool environments like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens; often found near drains or paper products.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; consumes starches, sugars, adhesives (like book bindings), wallpaper paste, and protein-rich debris.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, fast-moving, and avoids light. Has a three-stage life cycle (egg, nymph, adult) and can live for several years.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans but considered a pest due to potential damage to paper, books, and clothing. They do not transmit diseases.

Identified on: 3/15/2026