Bug Identifier
Silverfish
Community identification

Silverfish

Lepisma saccharinum

Order & Family
Zygentoma (formerly Thysanura), Lepismatidae
Size
Typically 12–19 mm (0.5–0.75 inches) in length, excluding antennae and tail filaments.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide in moist, humid areas such as basements, attics, bathrooms, and kitchens; often hides in crevices, behind baseboards, or in bookshelves.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous feeders that consume polysaccharides, such as starches and dextrin found in adhesives; commonly eat paper, book bindings, wallpaper paste, clothing (cotton, linen, silk), and dried foods like flour or oats.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they move in a characteristic wiggling motion resembling a fish swimming. They are long-lived (up to 3 years or more) and reproduce by the male depositing a spermatophore that the female picks up.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered a nuisance pest rather than a health threat. They do not bite or spread disease to humans, but they can cause significant property damage by eating fabrics, paper goods, and contaminating food.