Termite-Nest Silverfish vs Four-lined Silverfish
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Termite-Nest Silverfish | Four-lined Silverfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atelura formicaria | Ctenolepisma lineatum |
| Order | Zygentoma | Zygentoma |
| Family | Nicoletiidae | Lepismatidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Detritivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe | Mediterranean Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
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.