Silverfish

Identification
Domestic silverfish are common inhabitants of houses and are often found in dark sheltered areas. They are wingless with a long soft body covered in silvery-grey scales. They have long antennae and three long abdominal cerci (tails) - a long central one, and one on either side at right angles to the body. The eyes are small and compound.

Size
body length 15mm

Habitat
species found in homes are found in dark, undisturbed places such as in cupboards and bookshelves.

Food
silverfish are common in most houses where they feed mainly on paper and fabric found around the home

Breeding
The female lays eggs which hatch into nymphs that look like small versions of the adults. The young develop over a series of moults. Silverfish moult throughout their lives and individuals may live for up to 4 years.

Range
introduced - found throughout Australia