DIAGNOSTIC MORPHOLOGY
Silverfish
Lepisma saccharina (Linnaeus)
Adults:
Size up to 12.5 mm
Flattened fish or carrot shaped outline
Long segmented antenae
Body covered with scales
3 tail - like appendages
GENERAL INFORMATION
Silverfish and firebrats are placed in the order
Thysanura which is considered one of the most
primitive of the living insect orders. There are
four species considered common in North
America; the Firebrat (Thermobia domestica), the
Common Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina), the
Gray or Longtailed Silverfish (Ctenolepisma
longicaudata), and the Four-Lined Silverfish
(Ctenolepisma quadriseriata). Though most are
generally comopolitan in distribution, the Gray
Silverfish is found in the Midwest to California
and South. Presence of either silverfish or
firebrats indicate a warm humid environment.
Firebrats will favor areas of higher temperatures
(95-105F) while Silverfish prefer slightly cooler
environments. Adverse to light, they tend to be
found in dark areas of suitable climate with an
abundant supply of food. However, their presence
at a feeding site not warm or humid may indicate a
nearby preferred microclimate. The color of
different species can vary.
FOOD SOURCES
Common Silverfish= silvery gray,
Immature Stage:
Nymphs appear as young adults
Scales do not appear until after the third molt
Silverfish and firebrats are particularly fond of
starch and items containing starch. They can often
be found to be feeding on wallpaper and its
adhesive paste as well as glazed paper, as both
have a high starch content. They are also reported
to feed upon other paper products, book bindings,
textiles, cotton, silk and other glues.
Gray Silverfish = dull gray,
LIFE CYCLE
Four Lined Silverfish = dark and light scales
appear as four lines running down back
SIGNS OF INFESTATION
Damage from silverfish and firebrats on paper
products is often characterized by ragged scaped
areas and irregular holes. Damage to textiles is
indicated by the presence of feces (decribed as
small, dark, and visible to the naked eye), scales
(visible with a hand lens), and ground fibers. A
yellow stain is often apparent at the damaged area.
Eggs of the Silverfish tend towards a yellowish
white hue. Generally eggs hatch anywhere from
19-45 days and young spend 3-4 months as
nymphs. The average lifespan for the various
silverfish species can be from 2-3.5 years.
Sexual maturity is reached in a few months. With
a high birth rate both species can multiply quickly
and have an enormous biotic potential.
CONTROL & TREATMENT
Silverfish and Firebrats thrive in warm moist
environments. Climate control in terms of
reducing humidity and lowering temperature can
cause populations to decline significantly. Also
controlling nearby micro-environments where
pests can migrate from is important.
Controlling food sources such as removing
cardboard boxes and removing paper products not
Information current as of 1 September, 2011
For more information visit www.museumpests.net
part of a collection is advised. It is also
recomended whenever possible that books and
documents be placed in sealed containers.
Cleaning around bookcases in cracks and crevices
with a HEPA vacuum and sealing afterward can
reduce potential breeding habitat.
Fact Sheet: Silverfish
Image credits: Lower Left: Deml, Miroslav, 2009, Available from Encyclopedia of Life at http://
www.eol.org/pages/7423
Information current as of 1 September, 2011
For more information visit www.museumpests.net
