Ozark Cave Silverfish vs Four-lined Silverfish

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ozark Cave Silverfish Four-lined Silverfish
Scientific Name Speleonycta ozarkensis Ctenolepisma lineatum
Order Zygentoma Zygentoma
Family Nicoletiidae Lepismatidae
Size 8-12 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Caves Woodlands
Diet Fungus Feeders Detritivores
Regions United States Mediterranean Europe, North Africa
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Ozark Cave Silverfish

A blind cave-adapted silverfish found in caves of the Ozark Highlands. It is completely white and eyeless.

💡

Did You Know?

It is the only known species of its genus, endemic to Ozark caves.

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.