ScientificName: Lepisma saccharina
Description: The body of a silverfish is approximately 10 mm long, excluding the antennae and caudal furcae. The metallic sheen is due to silvery scales, which only appear after the third moult.
Habitat/Food: The silverfish is a widespread commensal in human dwellings, much like its relative, the firebrat (Thermobia domestica). Silverfish can often be found under refrigerators or around a well-heated toilet, if the crevices in the floor tiles are large enough. The favorite food of silverfish is any matter that contains starch or polysaccharides, such as dextrin in adhesives. These include glue, book bindings, photos, sugar, hair, dandruff, and dirt.
Life Cycle: Because of their nocturnal nature, the reproduction of silverfish has only recently been studied. The male lays a spermatophore, a sperm capsule covered in gossamer. Having located the spermatophore via a variety of biochemical signals, the female finds the spermatophore and takes it up for fertilisation, which will then turn into an egg.
Organic Control: Citrus products will kill silverfish on contact.
Interesting Fact: Earwigs hunt and kill silverfish.