Firebrat

Thermobia domestica

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Zygentoma
Family: Lepismatidae
Genus: Thermobia
Species: domestica

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Thermobia domestica: /θɛrˈmoʊbiə dəˈmɛstɪkə/

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

Images

Cf Thermobia domestica metric ruler (crop) by Jscottkelley. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Firebrat (Thermobia domestica) by KyleCMSmith. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Thermobia domestica 12739597 by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Thermobia domestica Trento 05 by Syrio. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Thermobia domestica 12739641 by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Cf Thermobia domestica metric ruler by Jscottkelley. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

The firebrat (Thermobia domestica) is a small, primarily indoor insect that thrives in warm environments and feeds on carbohydrates and proteins. It reproduces rapidly and is commonly found near heat sources.

Physical Characteristics

~8 mm oblong/elongate yellowish body with dark brown bands and mottled spots on the dorsal surface; stout-bodied (abdomen relatively broad-tipped and often shorter than thorax) giving an overall "chunky" appearance.

Identification Tips

Look for individuals that are generally yellowish with dark brown banding and a chunky appearance; often found indoors near heat sources.

Habitat

Firebrats prefer relatively warm temperatures (36–39 °C) and require some humidity. They are commonly found indoors near heat sources such as furnaces and boilers, but can also be found outdoors under rocks and plant litter.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan; found indoors in homes and buildings and outdoors in various environments worldwide.

Diet

Nymphs and adults feed mostly at night on products rich in carbohydrates or protein, such as stored foods, glues, book bindings, and paper products.

Life Cycle

Simple metamorphosis (egg, nymphs, adult); eggs are laid in batches of about 50 and take 12 to 13 days to hatch; adulthood is reached at about four months.

Reproduction

Females begin laying eggs at 1.5 to 4.5 months of age, laying up to 6000 eggs in a lifetime. Nymphs may reach maturity in as little as 2–4 months, resulting in several generations each year.

Ecosystem Role

They play a role in the decomposition of organic matter but are considered pests indoors.

Economic Impact

They do not cause major damage but can contaminate food, damage paper goods, and stain clothing.

Similar Taxa

Thermobia species

Misconceptions

Firebrats are often mistaken for silverfish; they are primarily found indoors and are considered pests, though they are mostly harmless.