Virtual Exhibit on Canada´s Biodiversity

	Habitat Adults: terrestrial Immatures: terrestrial Feeding Habits Adults: saprophagous Immatures: saprophagous Size: 9 to 12 mm Flight : flightless North American Species: 2 in Canada	Thysanura Lepismatidae Silverfish and firebrats Front Wings: absent Hind Wings: absent Mouthparts: chewing Antenna Length: longer than body Antenna Shape: straight Front Legs: unmodified Hind Legs: unmodified Special Characteristics: These are torpedo shaped, wingless insects whose bodies are covered with very small silvery or brown scales.
	Comments: Some species inhabit buildings and feed on starchy substances including books and paper, wallpaper, curtains, linens, and food scraps. Outdoor species can be found in caves, in debris, under stones and leaves and in ant nests.

	Species: Lepisma saccharina Linnaeus Common Name: Silverfish Feeding Habits: Silverfish feed on a variety of substances such as cereals, flour, paste, bookbindings and rayon fabrics. Distribution: Widespread in Canada Comments: They are found in warm, damp places such as bathrooms, behind baseboards and bookshelves, closets, and cupboards.