Relict Silverfish
Tricholepidion gertschi
This record describes Tricholepidion gertschi (species). Recorded family: Lepidotrichidae. Recorded order: Zygentoma.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Tricholepidion gertschi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricholepidion.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Zygentoma (Silverfish)
- Family
- Lepidotrichidae
- Genus
- Tricholepidion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tricholepidion gertschi Wygodzinsky, 1961
About Silverfish: the wider group
Order-level background for Zygentoma, the group containing Tricholepidion gertschi. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Zygentoma (silverfish and firebrats) includes ~400 described species. Silverfish are among the oldest living insect orders - they have remained virtually unchanged for over 400 million years, predating dinosaurs by 170 million years.
Ecological role of the group
In natural environments, silverfish are important decomposers of plant material. They undergo ametabolous development - they do not metamorphose and continue molting throughout their life, which can span 3-8 years.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Silverfish are common household pests that damage books, wallpaper, clothing, and stored foods by feeding on starch, cellulose, and protein. They can survive for up to a year without food.
Recorded sources for this group: Pest management research, paleontology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Relict Silverfish (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth