Common Silverfish vs Alabama Cave Silverfish

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Silverfish Alabama Cave Silverfish
Scientific Name Lepisma saccharina Speleonycta sp. nov. Alabama
Order Zygentoma Zygentoma
Family Lepismatidae Nicoletiidae
Size 8-13 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Underground Caves
Diet Omnivores Fungus Feeders
Regions Worldwide United States
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Common Silverfish

The most well-known silverfish species, found in homes and buildings worldwide. It has a silvery, torpedo-shaped body covered in fine scales.

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Did You Know?

It can survive for over a year without eating.

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.