Silverfish

Description
3/8-1/2" (9-13 cm). Tapering, carrot-shaped. Silver-gray, coated with scales. Threadlike antennae and 3 tail filaments, all shorter than body. Small black eyes. Maxillary palps.

Food
Dried cereals, flour, glue, and starch, including stiffeners used in clothing and bound books, and coated papers used in magazines

Life Cycle
Oval white eggs are dropped in a few places week after week. Eggs hatch in 2-8 weeks. Nymphs, 1/8-1/4" (4-5 mm), have the same body form as adults. In the South full size is attained in about 2 years, longer in the North.

Habitat
Indoors in warm, dry or damp places, including closets, bookcases, behind baseboards, in partitions, or in bathtubs.

Range
Worldwide in temperate climates.

This insect has a scaly covering that helps it to escape from the grip of ants and spiders. Silverfish can survive without food for months.