
Community identification
Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum
- Order & Family
- Order: Zygentoma; Family: Lepismatidae
- Size
- 12–19 mm (0.5–0.75 inches) in length
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.