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Silverfish

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What is a silverfish?

At a glance2
  1. 1

    Typical lifespan: around 2-8 years.[1]

  2. 2

    Typical body length: around 7-10 mm.[2]

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Fun facts8 facts
  1. 1

    Before breeding, silverfish perform a dance of touching antennae, backing away and chasing that can last over half an hour.[2]

  2. 2

    Silverfish can digest paper on their own, because their midgut makes a special enzyme called cellulase.[2]

  3. 3

    Silverfish can moult up to 30 times in a single year, and up to 66 times in a lifetime.[2]

  4. 4

    Silverfish keep moulting even after they are fully grown, which most insects do not do.[2]

  5. 5

    Silverfish can live for a year or more without food, as long as they can find water.[2]

Sources2
  1. [1]Wikidata (CC0-1.0)
  2. [2]Wikipedia (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

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Silverfish guides

Protecting and staying safe around a silverfish

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Not veterinary advice. General information about this animal. If you find one injured or in trouble, contact a wildlife rescue or the RSPCA rather than handling it yourself.

Silverfish: facts, health & care | Fluffifi