Silverfish (Lepismatidae sp.) are small, soft bodied, wingless insects. They range in size from 12mm to about 18mm long, usually with a scaled, silvery colour over the upper surface. Their bodies are flattened, long and slender, and are broader at the front, gradually tapering toward the rear. They have long thread like antennae, plus three telltale filaments (cerci) extending off the rear of the abdomen.
They may live up to 4 years and will also moult up to four times.
The juveniles (nymphs) are smaller and do not obtain the silvery colour until the third moult

HABITAT: They can be found almost anywhere, but prefer damp, moderate temperature places such as basements, laundry rooms, and under sinks. They are not commonly noticed unless trapped in sinks and tubs, as they are essentially nocturnal.
Outdoors, they would normally be found under bark, rocks and in leaf mould, sometimes in bird’s nests and happily cohabitating in both ant and termite nests.

DIET: Their dietary preferences are reasonably broad and can be omnivorous, although they do prefer vegetable matter with a high carbohydrate and protein content.
Indoors they will feed on almost anything, including but not limited to dried beef, flour, starch, paper, gum, glue, cotton, linen, rayon, silk, sugar, moulds and breakfast cereals.

PEST STATUS: Australia possesses around five species of silverfish that have attained some degree of pest status.
Those considered to be pests are often responsible for damaging books, wallpaper, paper and clothing. They seem to be particularly attracted to the glue/sizing in bookbindings

CONTROL: Treatment usually involves a direct application of an insecticidal dust or spray to their known and suspected hiding places

No disease transmission is currently known to be associated with Silverfish.

INTERESTING FACT: Silverfish can go for several months, perhaps as long as one year without food

Silverfish

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