Insects Similar to Silverfish
The silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) is a small, wingless insect belonging to the Thysanura order. It is characterized by a silvery-blue color and a movement pattern reminiscent of a fish in water. Although the term "silverfish" refers only to this specific species, it is similar enough to several other insects that they are often mistakenly referred to by the silverfish name.
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Firebrat
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The firebrat (Thermobia domestica) is the second member of the Thysanura order. Firebrats are nearly identical to silverfish in appearance, equal in size and basic characteristics. Although they are mostly found in the outdoors, they thrive in warm, humid conditions, leading to concentrations in areas such as furnaces and boiler rooms as well as establishments such as bakeries. As these conditions are fairly universal, it is unsurprising that firebrats can be found almost anywhere in the world. Firebrats are highly versatile in terms of nutrition, feeding on starches, carbohydrates and proteins ranging from human foods to such materials as book bindings. While they can be a nuisance, they cause little to no permanent damage. Still, once a building is infested, they can be hard to get rid of; females go through up to four life cycles per year, laying up to 195 eggs each.
Ctenolepisma lineata
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Ctenolepisma lineata is yet another member of the Thysanura order. Sometimes colloquially referred to as the four-lined silverfish, the Ctenolepisma lineata can be distinguished from the real silverfish by its sturdier, duller appearance and the excess length of its appendages. Ctenolepisma lineata is native to Europe but, similar to the firebrat, its adaptability has allowed it to flourish in nearly every temperate-to-warm climate worldwide through accidental introduction. Like the firebrat and silverfish, Ctenolepisma lineata can be a household pest, but is relatively harmless for the most part.
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House Centipede
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The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is technically a centipede, boasting 30 legs, but has come to be known by the name silverfish in much of North America. Significantly larger than the true silverfish, the house centipede ranges between 1 to 2 inches in length and is notable for its exceptionally long legs, which afford it remarkable speed moving across a variety of natural and man-made surfaces. Although often considered a household pest itself, the house centipede's primary behavior involves feeding upon other household pests, including ants, spiders, cockroaches and even silverfish. House centipedes are known to use venom against their prey, but they are largely harmless to humans; few have the strength to puncture human skin with their venomous appendages, and in instances where bites have occurred, symptoms are generally no worse than a standard bee sting.
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