Bug Identifier
Silverfish
Community identification

Silverfish

Lepisma saccharinum

Order & Family
Order Zygentoma, Family Lepismatidae
Size
12 to 19 mm (0.5 to 0.75 inches) in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Damp, cool, and dark environments such as basements, attics, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Diet & Feeding

Starch and dextrin in adhesives, paper, book bindings, plaster, and some synthetic fabrics; they also eat high-protein foods like dried meat or dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and move with a characteristic fish-like swimming motion; they have a long lifespan for insects (up to 8 years) and undergo ametabolous metamorphosis (young look like small adults).

Risks & Benefits

They are nuisance pests that can damage household goods (books, wallpaper, clothing); however, they are harmless to humans as they do not bite or transmit diseases.