Silverfish

Scientific Name: Lepisma saccharinum

Order & Family: Order: Zygentoma; Family: Lepismatidae

Size: 12–19 mm (0.5–0.75 inches) in length

Silverfish

Natural Habitat

Dark, damp, and cool environments like basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and attics; often found near paper or moisture.

Diet & Feeding

General scavengers focusing on carbohydrates and sugars; they eat paper, book bindings, wallpaper paste, glue, fabric (silk/linen), and cereals.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal insects known for their quick, fish-like movements. They prefer high humidity and hide in cracks during the day. They have a long lifespan (2-8 years) and can survive for months without food.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite humans or carry diseases but are considered domestic pests because they can damage books, photographs, and household textiles. They are also a food source for spiders and centipedes.

Identified on: 12/30/2025