Silverfish (Nymph or immature)
Scientific Name: Lepisma saccharina
Order & Family: Order: Zygentoma, Family: Lepismatidae
Size: Immaturity range varies, but adults grow to 12-19 mm (0.5 to 0.75 inches). The specimen shown is likely much smaller, perhaps 2-5mm.
Natural Habitat
Found worldwide, preferring dark, damp, and warm environments, such as bathrooms, basements, attics, and kitchens.
Diet & Feeding
Consumes carbohydrates like sugars and starches. Common food sources include paper, book bindings, wallpaper paste, clothing (cotton/linen), and cereals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive/fast-moving. They undergo ametabolous development (molting without changing form, just getting larger). They can live for several years and molt throughout their lives.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Considered household pests because they damage property (books, clothes, wallpaper) and contaminate food. They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans. Benefits: Generally considered pests with little direct benefit to human environments, though they act as decomposers in nature.
Identified on: 2/12/2026