The silverfish is a small, primitive, wingless insect of the order Zygentoma, named for its silvery grey coloring and the fish-like, undulating way it moves. Its scientific name reflects a diet centered on carbohydrates such as sugars and starches. While the common name is applied broadly across the order Zygentoma in general usage, the Entomological Society of America restricts the term formally to the single species Lepisma saccharinum.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Relationship to PeopleAgricultural or Structural Pest 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceAbdomen tapers at the end, giving the insect a fish like appearance. 1 Comparison
CITES Appendix Scientific Name Conservation Status Connections
Child Taxon Of
In Biome
Bog, Biomes Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Lepisma saccharina
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Lepisma saccharina
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Lepisma saccharina
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. Silverfish - Wikipedia
Introduction
The silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) is a species of small, primitive, wingless insect in the order Zygentoma (formerly Thysanura).
Description section
Its abdomen tapers at the end, giving it a fish-like appearance.
- wingless insect, land-dwelling
Ecology
Silverfish are considered household pests, due to their consumption and destruction of property.
View the Source2. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Lepisma saccharina
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyFood Habits: Primary Diet
Primary Diet carnivore carnivore insectivore insectivore herbivore herbivore folivore folivore granivore granivore lignivore omnivore omnivore
Conservation Status: CITES
CITES No special status
In Biome: Boreal Forest, Habitat Regions, biome: taiga
taiga taiga
In Biome: Chaparral, Habitat Regions, biome: chaparral
chaparral chaparral
In Biome: Bog, Habitat Regions, biome: bog
bog bog
View the Source 3. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (IUCN Red List category): IUCN Red List category of Lepisma saccharinum
GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (IUCN Red List category)iucnRedListCategory recordQuote, iucnRedListCategory record
"category": "NOT_EVALUATED"
Wikidata: Silverfish
Catalogue of Life
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of LifeChild Taxon Of: InsectaView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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