Lepisma

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lepisma: //ləˈpɪzmə//

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Summary

The silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) is a primitive, wingless insect known for its silvery color and fish-like movements. It is commonly found in moist indoor environments and consumes a variety of organic materials. Although a nuisance due to property damage, it does not transmit diseases.

Physical Characteristics

10-12 mm wingless; body flattened, slender, silvery, gray, or blackish above, and pale below; long thread-like antennae; mandibles articulate at two points; tip of abdomen has 1 long medial filament and 2 lateral cerci, often as long as the medial one; adults can regenerate lost terminal filaments and antennae within four weeks.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from similar species by its smaller size (usually 10-12 mm), flattened body, and the presence of long cerci and a terminal filament at the tip of the abdomen. May be confused with Ctenolepisma species but differs in size and certain morphological features.

Habitat

Found in cosmopolitan environments, especially in warm, damp conditions like bathrooms, kitchens, old books, attics, and basements; avoids direct light and hides during the day.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan species, found in Africa, the Americas, Australia, Eurasia, and parts of the Pacific.

Diet

Primarily feeds on carbohydrates like sugar, starches, cellulose, hair, and glue; will consume a variety of organic matter including book bindings, carpet, clothing, and leftover food scraps.

Life Cycle

Incomplete metamorphosis; the nymphs are initially whitish, turning greyish and developing a metallic sheen as they mature. They can go through 17 to 66 molts in their lifetimes, continuing to molt as adults.

Reproduction

Reproduces via a unique courtship ritual; female lays eggs singly or in small groups (usually fewer than 60 at a time) in crevices. Lifespan of eggs varies, taking 2 weeks to 2 months to hatch.

Predators

House centipedes and spiders such as the spitting spider (Scytodes thoracica) are known to prey on silverfish.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in decomposing organic matter by consuming dead plant and animal material.

Economic Impact

Considered a household pest due to the potential for property damage and contamination of food items.

Health Concerns

Although they are pests and can damage food and property, silverfish do not transmit diseases.

Collecting Methods

• Sticky traps
• Hand collection in dark areas

Preservation Methods

• Freezing
• Desiccation

Evolution

Evolved as some of the earliest and most primitive insects over 400 million years ago, during the Devonian period.

Similar Taxa

• Ctenolepisma longicaudatum
• Ctenolepisma quadriseriatum
• Ctenolepisma urbanum
• Acrotelsella devriesiana
• Thermobia domestica

Misconceptions

Often confused with other insect pests, although true silverfish refers specifically to Lepisma saccharinum according to the Entomological Society of America.

Tags

• silverfish
• Lepisma
• pests
• Zygentoma