
Community identification
Likely silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum
- Order & Family
- Zygentoma; Lepismatidae
- Size
- About 10–19 mm long, excluding antennae and tail filaments.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, especially humid, dark areas such as bathrooms, basements, and spaces near stored paper or textiles.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on starches and carbohydrates, including paper, book bindings, glue, crumbs, and some natural fabrics.
Behavior Patterns
Wingless, fast-moving, and mostly active at night; hides in cracks and can survive for years while molting repeatedly.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to people and pets, but may damage books, paper, wallpaper, and stored fabrics.