Silverfish and Firebrats (Thysanura)

Greek "thysano" (fringed) + "ura" (tail)

Silverfish are flat and tapered and often silvery in color. They hide in dark places during the day and come out at night to search for food. They are very fast runners and scavange for food, which may include algae and lichen, as well as household products like wallpaper paste, paper and cardboard. They are very long-lived for insects - from 3 to as many as 7 or 8 years.

Silverfish T. W. Davies © 1999 California Academy of Sciences

Bristletail Dr. Antonio J. Ferreira © 1999 California Academy of Sciences

Bristletail Dr. Antonio J. Ferreira © 1999 California Academy of Sciences

Quick ID Flat, tapered, segmented body Long thread-like antennae Long "tails" (cerci)

More information about Thysanura Tree of Life page for Thysanura NC State Dept. of Entomology Photos of Thysanura from CalPhotos