
Community identification
Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum
- Order & Family
- Order Zygentoma, Family Lepismatidae
- Size
- 12–19 mm (0.5–0.75 inches) in length
Natural Habitat
Moist, humid, and dark areas such as basements, attics, bathrooms, and kitchens; often found near paper, glue, and starch sources.
Diet & Feeding
Starchy substances and polysaccharides, including book bindings, wallpaper paste, paper, photographs, sugar, coffee, hair, and some synthetic fabrics.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and highly agile; they move in a fish-like swimming motion. They undergo simple metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can live for several years.
Risks & Benefits
They are considered household pests because they damage property like books and clothing; however, they do not bite humans and do not spread disease. They are a food source for spiders and centipedes.