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Animal profile

Silverfish

Lepisma saccharinum

InsectaDamp dark spaces in buildings, including bathrooms, basements and behind skirting boards

Field profile

The silverfish is a wingless, teardrop-shaped insect covered in silvery scales, with long antennae and three tail filaments. It feeds on starches and cellulose, including paper, glue and textiles. It belongs to an ancient wingless lineage that never evolved flight.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2024-11-13

Silverfish

Silverfish keep moulting all their adult lives

Nearly all insects stop moulting once they reach the adult stage. Silverfish do not. They continue shedding their cuticle after becoming sexually mature, potentially dozens of times, and can live several years doing so.

Read with evidence →

Silverfish | Daily Animal Facts