Alabama Cave Silverfish vs Primitive Silverfish

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alabama Cave Silverfish Primitive Silverfish
Scientific Name Speleonycta sp. nov. Alabama Tricholepidion gertschi
Order Zygentoma Zygentoma
Family Nicoletiidae Lepidotrichidae
Size 8-12 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Caves Forests
Diet Fungus Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions United States United States
Conservation Data Deficient Near Threatened

Alabama Cave Silverfish

A recently described cave silverfish from northern Alabama caves. It is completely blind and unpigmented, representing a new genus.

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Did You Know?

It was described in 2024, showing that new cave species are still being found in well-explored regions.

Primitive Silverfish

The most primitive living silverfish, restricted to old-growth forests of northern California. It retains compound eyes and other ancestral features.

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Did You Know?

It is considered a living fossil and the sole surviving member of its family.