Bug Identifier
Silverfish
Community identification

Silverfish

Lepisma saccharina

Order & Family
Order: Zygentoma, Family: Lepismatidae
Size
12 to 19 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Dark, damp, and humid areas indoors such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and attics

Diet & Feeding

Carbohydrates, starches, sugars, paper, glue, book bindings, and fabrics like cotton or silk

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, fast-moving, wingless insects that avoid light and thrive in high humidity

Risks & Benefits

Risks include damaging books, wallpaper, and stored clothing; they do not bite or transmit diseases and are generally harmless to humans