Gray or Longtailed DIAGNOSTIC MORPHOLOGY longicaudata Escherich Adults: • Size up to 15 mm • Flattened body with carrot shaped outline • Long segmented antennae • Body covered with scales, gray spots GENERAL INFORMATION • Head surrounded with yellow bristles • 3 tail - like appendages, as long as the body Silverfish and similar species are placed in the which is considered one of the most primitive of the living orders. There are four species considered common in North Immature Stage: America; the Common Silverfish ( Nymphs appear as young adults Grey Silverfish saccharina), the Gray Silverfish Ctenolepisma longicaudata (Ctenolepisma longicaudata), the ( domestica) and the Four-Lined Actual size Silverfish (Ctenolepisma lineata). Though most are generally cosmopolitan in distribution, the SIGNS OF INFESTATION Sexual maturity is reached in 16-24 months. With Gray Silverfish is found most in the Damage from Gray Silverfish on products is a high birth rate Gray Silverfish can multiply Midwest to California and the South. often characterized by ragged scraped areas and quickly and have an enormous biotic potential. Presence of the Silverfish, Lepisma irregular holes. Damage to textiles is indicated by the About 50-60 eggs are laid every year by females. saccharina indicate a cool and presence of feces (described as small, dark, and humid environment. visible to the naked eye), scales (visible with a hand CONTROL & TREATMENT Gray Silverfish will favor areas of high lens), and ground fibers. temperature, while need even hotter Gray Silverfish thrive in warm environments. temperatures. Adverse to light, they all tend to Climate control in terms of reducing humidity and be found in dark areas of suitable climate FOOD SOURCES lowering temperature can cause populations to with an abundant supply of food. However, decline. Also, controlling nearby micro- their presence at a feeding site not warm or Silverfish are particularly fond of and items environments where pests can migrate from is important. humid may indicate a nearby preferred containing starch. They can often be found to be micro-climate. The color of the feeding on wallpaper and its adhesive paste as well different species can vary. Controlling food sources such as removing dust, as glazed paper, as both have a high starch content. cardboard boxes and removing paper products not Common Silverfish= silvery metallic They are also reported to feed upon other paper part of a collection is advised. It is also recommended Gray Silverfish = dull gray products, tissue paper, other packaging material whenever possible that books and documents be Four Lined Silverfish = dark and light scales book bindings, textiles, , and other glues. placed in sealed containers or metal shelves with a smooth surface. appear as four lines running down back Regular cleaning around bookcases in cracks and Firebrat = large patches of dark scales on the back. LIFE CYCLE crevices with a HEPA vacuum and sealing afterward can reduce potential breeding habitat. Application of Eggs of the Gray Silverfish tend towards a desiccant dust in the cracks and along yellowish color. Generally eggs hatch anywhere walls is another option. In the small and white Ctenolepisma calva is also found and is spreading from 35 days and young spend 12 months as in museums and buildings nymphs. The average lifespan for the various Silverfish species can be from 5-7 years. Grey Silverfish Ctenolepisma longicaudata

Ctenolepisma calva (No ) Information current as of 7 June, 2019 Four Lined Silverfish Ctenolepisma lineata Additional information available at www.museumpests.net Fact Sheet: Gray or Longtailed Silverfish

Image Credits:

• Lower Left Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenolepisma_longicaudata#/media/

File:Ctenolepisma_longicaudata_53.jpg

• Lower Middle Image: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Ctenolepisma-calva-01.jpg

• Lower Right Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenolepisma_lineata#/media/

File:Ctenolepisma_lineata_pae.jpg

• Diagnostic Morphology Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenolepisma_longicaudata#/media/

File:Ctenolepisma_longicaudata_habitus.jpg

Information current as of 7 June, 2019 Additional information available at www.museumpests.net