Insect identifier · Indoor insects
How to identify a Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum
· Also called silver fish, fishmoth
People searching “what does a silverfish look like” or “silverfish bite” want a field ID, not a scare. Silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) is a indoor pests in this guide. Also called silver fish, fishmoth.
A silver streak in the tub at night is a silverfish, not a biter.
What does a silverfish look like?
Silverfish is About 12–15 mm. Colors people notice: silver, gray. Field marks: Silver scales; Three tails; Nocturnal in bathrooms.
Silverfish is About 12–15 mm. Colors people notice: silver, gray. Field marks: Silver scales; Three tails; Nocturnal in bathrooms. If the marks fail, open the look-alike pages before forcing this name.
Identification marks
- Silver scales
- Three tails
- Nocturnal in bathrooms
Size: About 12–15 mm
Colors: silver, gray
Where: indoor
Silverfish vs House centipede
Three tails and scales = silverfish. Too many legs = centipede.
- House centipede identification (Scutigera coleoptrata)
- European earwig identification (Forficula auricularia)
- Springtail identification (Collembola)
Range and season
Silverfish is active year-round indoors. Typical places: bathroom, basement. Fast, silver, carrot-shaped, no wings. Does not bite.
Damp bathrooms and basements everywhere.
Fast, silver, carrot-shaped, no wings. Does not bite.
Year-round indoors
Common questions
Do silverfish bite?
No.
Silverfish vs house centipede?
Silverfish are silver with three tails. House centipedes are leggy and striped.