What Family Do Silverfish Belong To?
Silverfish are one of the oldest insect species on the planet. Their fossils are believed to date back to the Paleozoic era.
They are generally found in humid and dark environments. They are known to eat various types of food, including plant and animal protein, starch, sugar, and glue. The main source of nutrition for silverfish is high-carbohydrate foods.
They are usually nocturnal. Their life cycle consists of three phases. This includes mating, reproduction, and moulting. It can last up to four years.
Silverfish are cosmopolitan creatures, and are commonly found in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. A number of species exist throughout the world, with the most common being Lepisma saccharina and Ctenolepisma longicaudata Escherich.
Females lay up to 60 eggs at once. Each egg is oval shaped, white, and up to 0.8 mm in size. Eggs hatch in about 20 days at 32degC.
In the adult stage, silverfish have a gray coloration. They also have a metallic shine. Silverfish do not carry venom.
Some predators of silverfish are spiders, earwigs, and centipedes. Silverfish can be difficult to get rid of.
They are generally considered nuisance pests. They are not a danger to human health, but can contaminate food and cause damage. They tend to be nocturnal and live in moist, dark environments.
There are around 250 species of silverfish worldwide. The most common types are Lepisma saccharina, Ctenolepisma longicaudata, and Thermobia domestica.
Common silverfish eat dried vegetation, paper, cotton, and bookbindings. They can be caught in kitchens, attics, and basements. These animals have a preference for starch-rich foods, including glazed paper.