Silverfish

A silverfish is a small active insect, so-called from the silvery glitter of the scales covering the body. It is less than half an inch long and is found in damp corners or amongst books and papers in houses. Although accredited with destroying paper and linen, it probably feeds only on farinaceous or saccharine substances. Scientifically it is known as Lepisma saccharina and belongs to the order Thysanura.

Silverfish are frequently found in bathtubs or sinks at night, as they have difficulty moving on smooth surfaces.

Portions of this article were taken from the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica, which is in the public domain.