
Community identification
Likely silverfish (poor image)
Lepisma saccharinum
- Order & Family
- Zygentoma; Lepismatidae
- Size
- Usually 10–19 mm (0.4–0.75 in) long, excluding the antennae and tail filaments.
Natural Habitat
Moist, dark indoor areas such as bathrooms, basements, wall voids, and under flooring; also found outdoors under bark and leaf litter.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds mainly on starches, cellulose, glues, paper, book bindings, fabrics, and household crumbs; it grazes rather than bites.
Behavior Patterns
Wingless, fast-running, and primarily nocturnal, silverfish hide in cracks during daylight. They develop gradually without a pupal stage and can live for several years.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite, sting, transmit disease, or damage structural wood, but sizable populations can spoil paper, books, wallpaper, and textiles. They contribute modestly to decomposition outdoors.