Page 163 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

SILVERFISH-ADULT SILVERFISH

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- fairly long 6.Thorax- mesosoma SILVERFISH
2.Eyes 7.Petiole- none
3.Head 8.Abdomen- bristle-like tail 1
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- silvery 6
5.Wings- none 10.Other- carrot-shaped body
Life Cycle
The female lays from 1-3 eggs at a time, depositing them in cracks and
crevices or under objects in groups until there are about 45-100 eggs.
The eggs hatch in about 40 days at average room temperature. The 4 8
young look exactly like the adult, only smaller, and go through several
molts to reach adult size. These insects often live 3 years or more.
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

SILVERFISH Actual size 5/8”

Silverfish are believed to be one of the most primitive of living insect orders. A silverfish fossil
has been found supposedly dating as far back as 400 million years. Silverfish have charac-
terized “carrot-shaped” bodies, but are flattened top to bottom. They are covered with silvery
scales, and have three long, slender “antennae-like” appendages projecting from the end of
the abdomen, giving them the name “bristle tails.” Silverfish are a tropical insect and thrive in
the environment that man creates in his home. They thrive in warm, moist climates and feed
primarily on books and paper, as well as glues and pastes found on wall paper and shelf pa-
per. Even in small numbers, they can cause significant damage. Silverfish will also eat sugar,
flour, cereals, and some fabrics.
FIREBRATS

Firebrats are the smallest variety of silverfish, and are found in the warmest locations, being
found even in humid boiler rooms and bakeries. They are a mottled gray or brown color, and
only 7/16th inch in size. They normally live outdoors, but can do the same damage to paper
items, wallpaper, and fabric as do silverfish indoors. They are also nocturnal in nature.

163