Gray Silverfish vs Termite-Nest Silverfish
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gray Silverfish | Termite-Nest Silverfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ctenolepisma longicaudatum | Atelura formicaria |
| Order | Zygentoma | Zygentoma |
| Family | Lepismatidae | Nicoletiidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gray Silverfish
An invasive silverfish species spreading rapidly through northern Europe. It is larger and more uniformly gray than the common silverfish.
Did You Know?
It has become a major household pest in Scandinavia since the 2000s.
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.