Silverfish

This article is about the most common insect species referred to by this name, Lepisma saccharinum. For the larger group of insects included under this name, see Zygentoma. For other uses, see Silverfish (disambiguation).

Silverfish
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Zygentoma
Family: Lepismatidae
Genus: Lepisma
Species:
L. saccharinum
Binomial name
Lepisma saccharinum
Synonyms

Lepisma saccharina Linnaeus, 1758
Forbicina plana Geoffroy, 1762
Lepisma vulgaris Scopoli, 1763
Tinea argentina Baker, 1780
Lepisma semicylindrica De Geer, 1782
Lepisma saccharifera Mohr, 1786 (missp.)
Lepisma quercetorum Wygodzinsky, 1945

The silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) is a species of small, primitive,[1] wingless insect in the order Zygentoma (formerly Thysanura). Its common name derives from the insect's silvery light grey colour, combined with the fish-like appearance of its movements. The scientific name (L. saccharinum) indicates that the silverfish's diet consists of carbohydrates such as sugar or starches. While the common name silverfish is used throughout the global literature to refer to various species of Zygentoma, the Entomological Society of America restricts use of the term solely for Lepisma saccharinum.[2]

  1. ^ Parkinson B. J. & Horne D. (2007). A photographic guide to insects of new zealand. New Holland. p. 14. ISBN 978-1-86966-151-9.
  2. ^ Phillips, Eleanor F.; Gillett-Kaufman, Jennifer L. (2018). "Silverfish - Lepisma saccharina". Featured Creatures - Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida. Retrieved 10 January 2021.