Common Silverfish vs Four-lined Silverfish

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Silverfish Four-lined Silverfish
Scientific Name Lepisma saccharina Ctenolepisma lineatum
Order Zygentoma Zygentoma
Family Lepismatidae Lepismatidae
Size 8-13 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions Worldwide Mediterranean Europe, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Four-lined Silverfish

A silverfish identified by four dark longitudinal lines on its body. It is found outdoors under bark and stones in Mediterranean climates.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most silverfish, it is primarily an outdoor species that rarely enters buildings.