Gray Silverfish

Ctenolepisma longicaudatum

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Zygentoma
Family: Lepismatidae
Genus: Ctenolepisma
Species: longicaudatum

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ctenolepisma longicaudatum: //ˌktɛnoʊlɛˈpɪsmə lɒŋɪˈkɔːdəˌtəm//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Ctenolepisma longicaudatum (Dryopteridaceae sp.), Arnhem, the Netherlands by Bj.schoenmakers. Used under a CC0 license.

Ctenolepisma longicaudatum 259702338 by Denis Mariasis. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Ctenolepisma longicaudatum head by Olavi Kurina. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Ctenolepisma longicaudatum (10.3897-BDJ.9.e61848) Figure 1 by Sammet K, Martin M, Kesküla T, Kurina O (2021) An update to the distribution of invasive Ctenolepisma longicaudatum Escherich in northern Europe, with an overview of other records of Estonian synanthropic bristletails (Insecta: Zygentoma). Biodiversity Data Journal 9: e61848.. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Ctenolepisma longicaudatum, the gray silverfish or long-tailed silverfish, is a synanthropic pest widely distributed in human dwellings, with a significant impact on cellulose-based materials. This species has a complex life cycle and behavior and poses a challenge for pest management in indoor environments.

Physical Characteristics

15-19 mm body length; body uniformly light to dark gray; abdomen lacks median setal combs beneath; has setal combs above; two pairs of styli on the rear of the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Slender, agile, fast-moving insects with long paired antennae; three long appendages at the posterior abdomen: a pair of cerci and a single central epiproct; body covered with scales for glimmering appearance.

Habitat

Cracks and crevices in all areas of homes from basement to attic, including closets, storage areas, kitchens, and garages; prefers humid environments.

Distribution

Midwestern and southern United States; recorded in various European countries, Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, and Vanuatu.

Diet

Generalist; feeds on paper, textiles (rayon), wheat flour, beef extract, and cast skins; does not feed on wool felt, flannel, carpet, fur felt, or natural silk.

Life Cycle

Eggs hatch after approximately 34 days at 24 °C; nymphs develop to the 13th instar within 11 months; sexual maturity is reached at 2-3 years; adults may molt 3-5 times per year, living up to about 8 years.

Reproduction

Female lays eggs in batches of 2-20 in cracks; slow reproduction, maturing in 2-3 years; reproduce for at least 3 years.

Predators

Spitting spider Scytodes thoracica; parasitised by gregarine parasites like Garnhamia aciculata and Lepismatophila ctenolepismae.

Ecosystem Role

Considered a pest in cultural heritage institutions due to feeding on cellulose materials.

Economic Impact

Damage to books, documents, and cultural heritage materials.

Evolution

Part of the family Lepismatidae; known for its ability to digest cellulose, putting it in a unique ecological niche among pests.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Historically treated as feminine; recent rulings clarified the gender as neuter following ICZN Opinion 2427.