Bug Identifier
Silverfish
Community identification

Silverfish

Lepisma saccharinum

Order & Family
Order Zygentoma; Family Lepismatidae
Size
12–19 mm (0.5–0.75 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Moist, dark environments such as basements, attics, kitchens, bathrooms, and within the cracks of furniture or upholstery.

Diet & Feeding

General scavengers of starchy materials; they consume carbohydrates and sugars, including glue in book bindings, wallpaper paste, paper, linen, silk, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and extremely fast-moving with a fish-like swimming motion. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis and are known for their long lifespan of up to 8 years.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered a nuisance pest that can cause damage to books, documents, and textiles. They do not bite humans or transmit diseases, but large infestations can indicate high humidity levels in a building.