# 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!

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

![Long-tailed Silverfish](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ctenolepisma_longicaudata_%28long-tailed_silverfish%29%252C_Mook%252C_the_Netherlands.JPG&width=800)

Photo: Bj.schoenmakers, CC0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ctenolepisma_longicaudata_%28long-tailed_silverfish%29%252C_Mook%252C_the_Netherlands.JPG)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

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

## 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

- **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.
- **Cellulose Chomper:** Long-tailed Silverfish has special enzymes that helps them digest complex carbohydrates found in paper, glue, and fabrics.
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [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 to leave them alone.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Long-tailed Silverfish?

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 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

## 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: [Long-tailed Silverfish: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/long-tailed-silverfish)