Silverfish
Classification
Scientific name: Lepisma saccharina
Description
An adult silverfish typically measures 15 mm. They arewingless with a sleek, tapered body that has scaly,silvery skin, making it slippery and easily able to slideinto small crevices. Their long antennae are used in the mating dance andthe cerci which are 3 large appendages that protrudefrom the rear, are used to detect predators. Found throughout Australia Silverfish come into buildings in search of dark, dampareas and thrive in high humidity. They are commonly found in crevices and like gaps or cracks inbuildings.
Behavior
Silverfish are nocturnal and secretive insects that are difficult to spot making it easy for aninfestation to occur. They have destructive feeding habits and will feed on an unusual diet whichincludes paper and glue, making wallpaper and books key targets. Unlike other insects, silverfishdo not go through a metamorphosis, going straight from an egg to a nymph.
Risks
Silverfish can be very destructive and often go unnoticed until their feeding damage is identified.They can ruin carpets, furnishings and linen, in addition to paper and spoiling foodstuffs. They ingest an incredibly wide variety of foods including cellulose, so can spoil shampoo andother beauty products. Their faeces and excretions leave yellow staining.