General Description

Body shiny and covered in tiny scales. No wings and long antennae on the head. Three narrow tails (cerci) on the end of the abdomen. Some species have eyes. Body up to 2 cm long.

Biology

Silverfish feed on plant and animal matter, though most native species only eat plant material. Several introduced species are associated with humans, feeding on paper, glues and fibres. The silvery scales on their bodies are easily shed, making these insects very slippery.

Distribution

Worldwide. Mainland Australia.

Habitat

Under bark, in leaf litter, under stones and in rotten logs. Some live in ant nests and houses.

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