Order: Thysanura

Family: Lepismatidae

Silverfish are also called bristletails because of their three long tails. Silverfish are found throughout the United States.

Description: Adult body length of a silverfish excluding their tail is approximately 1/2-3/4 inch long. Their body is flat and has no wings. They have a teardrop shaped body which is wider at the head and narrower at the tail end. Their color ranges from silver to gun metal gray. Silverfish are covered with scales and have long thread-like antennae.

Biology: Adult females lay approximately 1-3 eggs per day. The best conditions for survival are temperatures in the 70&undefined;s or above with average humidity. Silverfish can live as long as three years if the environmental conditions are ideal.

Habits: Silverfish are nocturnal (active at night), and they hide during the day. They can be found anywhere within a house including bedrooms, bathrooms, basements or garages. They also will infest commercial structures by being introduced on cardboard cartons, books or paper. Silverfish eat proteins and carbohydrates of both plant and animal origin.