probably your great-grandmother’s pantry.
Their scientific name is Lepisma saccharina, and they belong to an ancient group of insects called Zygentoma. They’re called silverfish because of their metallic, silvery-blue color and their fish-like, wiggling movement.
Key characteristics:
Size: About ½ to 1 inch long (12-25 mm)
Color: Silvery-gray to metallic blue
Shape: Tapered, carrot-shaped body with three long bristles at the rear
Movement: Fast, darting, wiggly—they move like fish swimming
Wings: None—they don’t fly
Diet: Carbohydrates, sugars, starches, and cellulose
Lifespan: 2-8 years (yes, years!)
Silverfish
