Silverfish or Firebrat
Scientific Name: Lepisma saccharina (for Silverfish) or Thermobia domestica (for Firebrat) - the image does not provide enough detail to distinguish between the two, but based on appearance, it strongly resembles one of these
Order & Family: Order: Zygentoma, Family: Lepismatidae
Size: Typically 10-19 mm (0.4-0.75 inches) in length, excluding the tail-like appendages.
Natural Habitat
Silverfish prefer cool, damp, and dark environments (e.g., basements, bathrooms, attics, storage areas). Firebrats prefer hot, humid, and dark environments (e.g., near furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, or hot water pipes). Both are commonly found indoors.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on polysaccharides found in adhesives, paper, books, starches, glues, carpets, clothing, and other organic matter. They can also eat dead insects and sometimes their own shed exoskeletons.
Behavior Patterns
Silverfish and firebrats are nocturnal and prefer to live in dark, undisturbed places. They are fast runners and can be difficult to catch. They undergo ametabolous metamorphosis, meaning they continue to molt throughout their lives, even after reaching adulthood. They can live for several years.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include damage to books, paper, clothing, and other household items containing starches or cellulose. They do not bite, spread disease, or pose a direct threat to human health. They offer no significant benefits to humans but are part of the larger detritivore ecosystem.
Identified on: 8/11/2025