Four-lined Silverfish vs Termite-Nest Silverfish
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Four-lined Silverfish | Termite-Nest Silverfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ctenolepisma lineatum | Atelura formicaria |
| Order | Zygentoma | Zygentoma |
| Family | Lepismatidae | Nicoletiidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Detritivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Mediterranean Europe, North Africa | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Unlike most silverfish, it is primarily an outdoor species that rarely enters buildings.
Termite-Nest Silverfish
A small, blind, unpigmented silverfish that lives exclusively inside ant nests. It has evolved chemical mimicry to avoid detection and is tolerated by its ant hosts.
Did You Know?
This silverfish steals food directly from the mouths of ants by mimicking the chemical signals ants use to request food sharing.