# Ctenolepisma ciliatum

The Ctenolepisma ciliatum, also known as the silverfish, is a small, shiny insect that loves to hide in dark, damp places. They are quick and have a unique, wiggly way of moving around.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Urban areas
- **Also known as:** Silverfish

![Ctenolepisma ciliatum](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ctenolepisma_ciliatum_259729702.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Cricket Raspet, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ctenolepisma_ciliatum_259729702.jpg)

## Appearance

The Ctenolepisma ciliatum has a flattened, teardrop-shaped body, typically grey or brownish-grey, covered in tiny reflective scales. It possesses two long antennae at the front and three tail-like appendages at the rear. Its segmented body tapers from head to tail, making it distinct from many other household insects.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Zygentoma
- **Family:** Lepismatidae
- **Genus:** Ctenolepisma

## Interesting facts

- If a leg breaks off, these insects can grow it back!
- Some silverfish species can live for up to eight years!
- Their bodies constantly grow new skin, shedding their old, scaly exoskeletons.
- They are ancient insects, appearing millions of years before dinosaurs!

## Special abilities

- **Slippery Scales:** Ctenolepisma ciliatum has tiny scales that can detach easily, helping them escape from predators or sticky situations.
- **Flexible Form:** Ctenolepisma ciliatum can flatten its body to squeeze into incredibly tight cracks and crevices, providing excellent hiding spots.
- **Chemical Communication:** Ctenolepisma ciliatum uses pheromones to find mates, releasing special scents that other silverfish can detect.
- **Long-distance Smell:** Ctenolepisma ciliatum has long antennae packed with sensors, allowing them to detect food sources like starches from afar.

## Measurements & details

- **Size:** 10-15 mm
- **Lifespan:** 730-2920 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

Ctenolepisma ciliatum loves to munch on starches, paper, and even tiny bits of dead insects.

- **Primary Foods:** Paper, Glue, Book bindings, Starches, Hair, Dead insects
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [House Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-spider) (*Tegenaria domestica*) — This spider often hunts silverfish in homes.
- **Eaten by:** [House Centipede](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-centipede) (*Scutigera coleoptrata*) — A fast predator, it actively pursues and eats silverfish.
- **Eaten by:** Common Earwig (*Forficula auricularia*) — Earwigs sometimes prey on silverfish, especially nymphs.

## Traits

- [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
- [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
- [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Silverfish are not harmful, but it's best not to touch them.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Ctenolepisma ciliatum?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How big is Ctenolepisma ciliatum?

10-15 mm

### How long does Ctenolepisma ciliatum live?

730-2920 days

### What does Ctenolepisma ciliatum eat?

Ctenolepisma ciliatum loves to munch on starches, paper, and even tiny bits of dead insects.

### Where is Ctenolepisma ciliatum usually found?

Urban areas

### How does Ctenolepisma ciliatum hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Ctenolepisma ciliatum have?

6

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Ctenolepisma ciliatum: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ctenolepisma-ciliatum)