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Gray Silverfish
Ctenolepisma longicaudata
33.1384, -117.051
Field Notes
Description:
Gray insect with a tapered body about 15 mm long. The end of the abdomen has two pairs of styli. There's hairs on the front of the face. Silverfish are wingless insects that wiggle when they move which gives it its name. These are primitive insects.
Habitat:
Outside wall of house in backyard at night. "Ctenolepisma is a genus of primitive insects closely related to the silverfish and firebrat but less reliant on human habitation, some species being found both indoors and outdoors and some found exclusively outdoors" - Wikipedia
Notes:
"Silverfish can live for a year or more without eating." They live for 2-8 yrs. "Silverfish consume matter that contains polysaccharides, such as starches and dextrin in adhesives. These include glue, book bindings, plaster, some paints, paper, photos, sugar, coffee, hair, carpet, clothing and dandruff. Silverfish can also cause damage to tapestries. Other substances that may be eaten include cotton, linen, silk, synthetic fibres and dead insects or even its own exuvia (moulted exoskeleton). During famine, a silverfish may even attack leatherware and synthetic fabrics. " - Wikipedia
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