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Long-tailed Silverfish
ExploreInsects
Long-tailed Silverfish
Ctenolepisma longicaudatum
The Long-tailed Silverfish is a small, shiny insect that loves to hide in dark, damp places. It has long, wiggly tails and moves quickly, making it fun to spot in your home!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Long-tailed Silverfish has a flattened, tear-drop shaped body covered in silvery-grey scales, giving it a metallic sheen. It has long antennae and three distinct, tail-like appendages that are longer than its body, distinguishing it from the common silverfish.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderZygentomaFamilyLepismatidaeGenusCtenolepisma
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Long-tailed Silverfish never stop growing, molting up to 60 times in their lives!
Their ancestors lived with dinosaurs over 400 million years ago!
They are nocturnal and avoid light, preferring the quiet of night!
They use tiny bristly hairs on their bodies to feel their way in the dark!
Special abilities
Ability
Scale Shedding Escape
Long-tailed Silverfish can shed their scales easily when grabbed because of their loosely attached scales that helps them escape from predators.
Ability
Cellulose Chomper
Long-tailed Silverfish has special enzymes that helps them digest complex carbohydrates found in paper, glue, and fabrics.
Ability
Perpetual Molter
Long-tailed Silverfish can molt throughout their entire adult life because of a unique ability that helps them repair damage and grow.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 730-2920 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
They are expert scavengers, munching on starches found in paper, glue, and fabrics.
Primary Foods
- paper
- glue
- books
- starches
- dead insects
- cellulose fibers
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common House Centipede
Scutigera coleoptrata
Centipedes actively hunt silverfish in homes and damp areas.
eaten by
Long-bodied Cellar Spider
Pholcus phalangioides
Cellar spiders are known to catch and eat silverfish in their webs.
eats
Brewer's Yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
They consume fungi and yeasts found on damp surfaces for nutrients.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
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
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Silverfish are not harmful, but it's best to leave them alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Long-tailed Silverfish?
10-15 mm
How long does Long-tailed Silverfish live?
730-2920 days
What does Long-tailed Silverfish eat?
They are expert scavengers, munching on starches found in paper, glue, and fabrics.
Where is Long-tailed Silverfish usually found?
Urban areas
How does Long-tailed Silverfish hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Long-tailed Silverfish have?
6
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