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Common Name:
Silverfish
Scientific Name:
Lepisma saccharina
Order and Family:
Lepismatidae, Silverfish
Pest Control Recommendation:
Silverfish Exterminator
Description:
3/8-1/2″ (9-13 mm). Tapering, carrot-shaped. Silver-gray, coated with scales. Threadlike antennae and 3 tail filaments, all shorter than the body. Small black eyes. Maxillary palps.
Food:
Dried cereals, flour, glue, and starch, including stiffeners used in clothing and bound books, and coated papers used in magazines.
Life Cycle:
Oval white eggs are dropped in a few places week after week. Eggs hatch in 2-8 weeks. Nymphs, 1/8-1/4″ (4-5 mm), have the same body form as adults. In the South full size is attained in about 2 years, longer in the North.
Habitat:
Indoors in warm, dry, or damp places, including closets, bookcases, behind baseboards, in partitions, or in bathtubs.
Range:
Worldwide in temperate climates.
Discussion:
This insect has a scaly covering that helps it to escape from the grip of ants and spiders. Silverfish can survive without food for months.
