← Gallery II · The Orders
No. 28 · Ametabolous
Silverfish & Firebrats
Zygentoma
~550
Described species
~5
Families
Introduction
Silverfish are common in homes worldwide — they eat starches, sugars, paper, and glue. They can live 2–8 years and survive months without food.
Field marks
Key ID traits.
Wingless. Three tail filaments approximately equal in length. Flattened, tapered body covered in silvery scales. Compound eyes small or absent. Fast, sinuous movement.
Etymology
Greek zygon 'yoke' + entomon 'insect'
Wings
Wingless
Diet
Detritivore · Omnivore
Habitat
Terrestrial
Notable examples
Common silverfish, firebrat, gray silverfish.
Where to look