Silverfish Lepisma saccharinum
Adult
Size:10-15mm
Shape: Long, tapered, torpedo-like. Often contracts on traps.
Colour: Silvery grey, can darken on traps
Antennae: Very long and thin
Distinguishing features: Body is segmented, has three long bristles at the back end (cerci).
Silverfish have nymphs (miniature version of the adult) and not larvae. They are much paler and grow from 1-10mm.
Adults and nymphs are pests of: books, paper, archives and occasionally textiles.
Damage: Both adults and nymphs scrape the surface resulting in thinning and ragged holes.
Often found in: Cool, damp conditions. Large numbers indicate that there is a problem with moisture.
May be confused with Firebrat which needs warm, damp conditions.
Note: The name changed from saccharina to saccharinum in 2018. ICZN article 30, opinion 24
![](imageresize.php?file=data/usercontent/a9b36e92ea3befb1b503e160b24d01792c004e21ed6a9b8ab3e8db1b2832a3ea.jpg&opts=w800h800e0)
![](imageresize.php?file=data/usercontent/a9b36e92ea3befb1b503e160b24d01792c004e21ed6a9b8ab3e8db1b2832a3ea.jpg&opts=w200h200e0)
![Group of adults and nymphs Group of adults and nymphs](imageresize.php?file=data/usercontent/b62478631b894f2191069c9b4359adede4120ffce01208348a5d6e407d8bda3a.jpg&opts=w800h800)
![Silverfish on trap Silverfish on trap](imageresize.php?file=data/usercontent/971e232fec720f16365e77ac752a3024abac25bbea566ece357d27701883d0c8.jpg&opts=w800h800)
![Many silverfish on trap Many silverfish on trap](imageresize.php?file=data/usercontent/728e8570472d629bda20784371fe6649adf0bc24b93f12973daa533c128c72c1.jpg&opts=w800h800)
![Drawing of silverfish Drawing of silverfish](imageresize.php?file=data/usercontent/d7cd4a54e255adaa70b9ec5500c0cd6412d379c5db9606083211dc09a0cd13ec.jpg&opts=w800h800)
Silverfish Lepisma saccharinum
![](imageresize.php?file=data/usercontent/a9b36e92ea3befb1b503e160b24d01792c004e21ed6a9b8ab3e8db1b2832a3ea.jpg&opts=w200h200)
![Group of adults and nymphs Group of adults and nymphs](imageresize.php?file=data/usercontent/b62478631b894f2191069c9b4359adede4120ffce01208348a5d6e407d8bda3a.jpg&opts=w200h200)
![Silverfish on trap Silverfish on trap](imageresize.php?file=data/usercontent/971e232fec720f16365e77ac752a3024abac25bbea566ece357d27701883d0c8.jpg&opts=w200h200)
![Many silverfish on trap Many silverfish on trap](imageresize.php?file=data/usercontent/728e8570472d629bda20784371fe6649adf0bc24b93f12973daa533c128c72c1.jpg&opts=w200h200)
![Drawing of silverfish Drawing of silverfish](imageresize.php?file=data/usercontent/d7cd4a54e255adaa70b9ec5500c0cd6412d379c5db9606083211dc09a0cd13ec.jpg&opts=w200h200)