Silverfish

Silverfish Insect Information

Silverfish insects are also known as Lepisma saccharina, fishmoths, carpet sharks or paramites. They are small and wingless insect in the Thysanura order. They get their name from their light silvery grey and blue color. They also have movements that are somewhat fish-like.

They are nocturnal in nature. They are about 1 inch long and are flat and elongated in shape. Their abdomen tapers at the end of their bodies which also gives them the resemblance of a fish shape. When they are born they are white in color but as they mature they become gray with a metallic shine. They have two long antennae extending from the top of their heads. They also have three long "cerci" which are extensions off the end of their body.

Living for about two to eight years they are found throughout Europe, North America, Australia and Asia. They live in moist, humid areas and must have a humidity level between 75% and 95% in order to survive. Bathrooms, basements, garages, closets and attics are the areas they can frequently be found living in urban areas.

Their mating ritual for their reproduction involves three different phases and can last over a half an hour. In phase one the female and male stand facing each other and their antennae are touching and trembling. They back off and return to this position several times. In phase two the male runs and the female chases him. The third phase involves the male and female standing side by side and aligning their heads and tails together. The male vibrates his tail against the female and lays a spermatophore. A spermatpophore is a sperm capsule that is covered in gossamer. The female takes it into her body by her ovipositor and fertilizes the eggs this way.

Females lay less than fifty eggs at once and place them in small cracks and crevices. Eggs are oval-shaped and white in color and take from two weeks to two months to hatch. Most females only lay one hundred eggs during their lives.

Their babies are called nymphs and are white in color and look like small adults. It takes between three months and three years for them to fully develop and become grey in appearance with a metallic shine.

A silverfish diet consists of starches and dextrin that is found in adhesives. It is found in book bindings, wallpaper glue, plaster, paints, photos, hair, carpet, sugar, coffee, clothing and dandruff. They also feast on cotton, linen, synthetic fibers and silk. They can live for a year or more without eating anything.

Silverfish insects are considered a nuisance to home and apartment owners because they can consume and destroy property. They can contaminate food and cause other kinds of damage but they do not transmit any kind or form or diseases whatsoever.

Spiders, earwigs and house centipedes are known predators of silverfish.

Silverfish insect outbreaks can be controlled if proper measures are used.

Stephanie Lewis shares her dislike of silverfish bugs with others who want to get rid of them. Insect silverfish information is given freely at her website www.SilverfishControlSecrets.com where you can learn how to get rid of silverfish in your home or apartment.