Silverfish are primary wingless insects, whose ancestors did not know how to fly. Unlike many similar insects, silverfish can live almost anywhere there are people!
Silverfish require high humidity (75-97%) and normal room temperature. They are able to feed on a wide range of foods, including cellulose, chitin and starch, and therefore can eat everything from glue to books.
Additionally, silverfish are surprisingly hardy. Their small bodies, up to 2 cm long, are covered in silvery scales that fall off easily on contact, allowing silverfish to escape webs and predators.
Interestingly, silverfish are able to regenerate lost body parts in just 3 to 4 weeks. Unlike most insects, they continue to molt after reaching maturity, performing up to 30 molts per year, allowing them to live up to 3 years.
Despite their incredible vitality, silverfish have their weaknesses. They have weak jaws, move relatively slowly, and are vulnerable when rebuilding their defenses.
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