Zygentoma (Silverfish/Fishmoths and Firebrats)

"Silverfish are so called due to the silvery glitter of the scales covering their bodies. Their movement is "fish-like" and makes it look as if they are swimming. They are less than 1 centimetre (0.39 in) long, and found in damp corners or amongst books and paper in houses.

Silverfish have flattened bodies and may be elongated or oval in shape. They have flexible antennae and small or absent compound eyes. They have short mandibles and relatively unspecialised mouthparts. Many species also have a number of short appendages on their abdominal segments, but the most distinctive feature of the group is the presence of three long, tail-like filaments extending from their last segment. The two lateral filaments are formed from the abdominal cerci.

Silverfish may be found in moist, humid environments or dry conditions, both as free-living organisms or nest-associates. In domestic settings, they feed on cereals, paste, paper, starch in clothes, rayon fabrics and dried meats. In nature, they will feed on various dead plant matter and animals.[5] Silverfish can sometimes be found in bathtubs or sinks at night, as they have difficulty moving on smooth surfaces and so become trapped. Wild species often are found in habitats such as caves, and some are commensals living in association with ant colonies, e.g., Trichatelura manni."

Source: https://forums.cvric.com.au/zygentoma/193-zygentoma-silverfish-order-description

Family: Nicoletiidae

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