Tropical Silverfish vs Alabama Cave Silverfish

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tropical Silverfish Alabama Cave Silverfish
Scientific Name Nicoletia phytophila Speleonycta sp. nov. Alabama
Order Zygentoma Zygentoma
Family Nicoletiidae Nicoletiidae
Size 8-12 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Caves Caves
Diet Detritivores Fungus Feeders
Regions Central America, Caribbean United States
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Tropical Silverfish

A soil-dwelling silverfish found in tropical regions and occasionally in caves. It has a slender white body with very long cerci.

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Did You Know?

It has been recorded from caves in Belize despite being primarily a soil species.

Alabama Cave Silverfish

A recently described cave silverfish from northern Alabama caves. It is completely blind and unpigmented, representing a new genus.

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Did You Know?

It was described in 2024, showing that new cave species are still being found in well-explored regions.