Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum
- Order & Family
- Order: Zygentoma; Family: Lepismatidae
- Size
- Approximately 12-19 mm (0.5 to 0.75 inches) in length, excluding appendages.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in dark, damp areas with high humidity such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and attics. They prefer environments of 70-80% humidity.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on carbohydrates and starches, including book bindings, paper, carpet, clothing, glue, dandruff, and rolled oats. They are also known to eat mold and fungi.
Behavior Patterns
Silverfish are nocturnal and move very quickly with a wiggling motion often described as swimming. They are long-lived (up to 3 years) and can survive for months without food if water is available.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: They are considered household pests because they can damage property (wallpaper, books, clothes) through feeding. They do not bite humans or transmit diseases but can cause allergies in some individuals. Benefits: They serve as decomposers in nature and as food for other insect predators like spiders and house centipedes.