Bristletail and silverfish are two types of insects that often cause confusion due to their similar appearance. Both insects belong to the ancient order Thysanura and can be frequently found in our homes. However, there are key differences between them that set them apart.
Silverfish, scientifically known as Lepisma saccharina, are small, wingless insects with a silvery appearance. Their bodies are covered in scales, giving them a unique fish-like look. They are known for wreaking havoc in homes by eating various items, such as paper, clothing, and pantry goods.
On the other hand, bristletails, such as the firebrat (Thermobia domestica), have a different coloration, ranging from light gray to dark brown. Similar to silverfish, bristletails are also wingless, possess elongated bodies, and have three long, tail-like appendages at the end of their abdomen. The firebrat, in particular, prefers warmer environments, usually near sources of heat like ovens or furnaces.
Bristletail vs Silverfish
Physical Characteristics
Bristletails and silverfish are both wingless insects with flattened bodies. They share some similar features, such as:
- Long antennae at the front of their head
- Three long bristle-like tails at the end of their body
However, there are some differences in their appearance. For example, silverfish are typically silver or gray in color, while bristletails can vary in color.
| Feature | Bristletail | Silverfish |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Varies (brown, gray, etc) | Silver or gray |
| Body shape | Flattened | Flattened |
| Antennae | Long | Long |
| Tails | 3 bristle-like | 3 bristle-like |
Species and Family
Both silverfish and bristletails belong to the insect order Thysanura. There are various species within each group, like the Lepisma saccharina, Ctenolepisma longicaudata, and Ctenolepisma quadriseriata for silverfish, and Thermobia domestica for firebrats, a type of bristletail.
Environment and Habitat
Bristletails and silverfish differ in their preferred environments. While both can be found indoors, silverfish are usually found in cool, damp, dark places, such as basements or bathrooms. Bristletails, on the other hand, prefer warmer, more humid areas.
Behavior and Movements
These insects are nocturnal, scavenging for food at night. They both feed on a variety of items, such as stored foods, paper, and other household materials. Their movements are known to be swift, with a wiggle-like motion. The primary difference in behavior is their habitat preferences, as mentioned earlier.
Diet and Feeding Habits
Starch Consumption
Bristletails and silverfish consume various sources of starch. For example:
- Paper: Both insects feed on cellulose found in paper products.
- Starchy foods: Bristletails and silverfish are attracted to common household items like flour, cereal, and other starches.
These insects thrive in moist and humid environments. They are more active in areas with high humidity and consume starches to obtain energy.
Algae, Fungi, and Lichens
Bristletails and silverfish consume other organic materials, like:
- Algae
- Fungi
- Lichens
These organisms provide essential nutrients, such as proteins, sugar, and cellulose.
Impact on Human Environments
Bristletails and silverfish can cause damage in homes. For example:
- Property damage: Feeding on paper and other organic materials can lead to damage.
- Dust: Their feeding habits can contribute to dust in humid environments.
- Firebrats: A close relative of silverfish, firebrats thrive in warmer temperatures and can be found in areas near heat sources.
| Bristletail | Silverfish | |
|---|---|---|
| Starch | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paper | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moist environments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Humidity | ✓ | ✓ |
| Algae | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fungi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lichens | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dust production | ✓ | ✓ |
| Property damage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Firebrats | Related species | Related species |
Pros of bristletails and silverfish:
- Help break down organic materials
Cons of bristletails and silverfish:
- Can cause property damage
- Contribute to dust in the home
- Certain species (firebrats) can pose potential fire hazards
Pest Control and Prevention
Identifying Infestations
Bristletails and silverfish are both pests that can infest homes. To identify an infestation, look for these characteristics:
- Silverfish: Silver-gray, teardrop-shaped body, with three long tail-like appendages at the hind end
- Bristletails: Similar appearance to silverfish, often brown or reddish-brown
Both can be found in moist areas, like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. They feed on algae, fungi, and other organic material.
Prevention Measures
Preventing these pests involves managing moisture and sealing up entry points:
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels
- Fix leaks and seal cracks and crevices
- Store food in tightly sealed containers
- Keep basements clean and clutter-free
Natural Predators
Some natural predators can help control bristletail and silverfish populations:
- Spiders
- Centipedes
Encouraging these predators’ presence in your home can help keep infestations at bay.
Professional Extermination
If infestations persist, consider professional extermination. Exterminators may use methods such as:
- Diatomaceous earth: A natural, abrasive powder that damages pests’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die
- Boric acid: A chemical pesticide toxic to insects, killing them through ingestion or contact
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Diatomaceous Earth | Natural, non-toxic for humans/pets | Less effective in humid environments |
| Boric Acid | Effective at killing pests | Toxic to humans and pets in high doses |
Remember not to use exaggerated claims or make false promises when discussing pest control methods.
Impact on Human Environments
Damage to Books and Paper Goods
Bristletails and silverfish can cause significant damage to paper goods, such as books and wallpaper. Both insects are attracted to starchy substances found in glue, which makes books and old books particularly vulnerable. They can also damage textiles and-cardboard.
- Bristletails: More commonly found in outdoor environments
- Silverfish: Often found indoors, especially on bookshelves and in damp areas
Kitchen and Bathroom Incidents
Both insects can often be found in kitchens and bathrooms. Silverfish, in particular, are drawn to damp areas such as water pipes. To prevent these pests from infesting your home, keep these areas:
- Clean
- Dry
- Free of food debris
Proper maintenance of kitchens and bathrooms can significantly reduce the occurrence of bristletails and silverfish.
| Insect | Kitchen Presence | Bathroom Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Bristletail | Less frequent | Less frequent |
| Silverfish | Common | Common |
Allergens and Health Implications
While bristletails and silverfish are not known for spreading diseases or being dangerous, they do leave behind feces that can contribute to allergens. Vacuuming regularly can help reduce allergens in your home. Although they may resemble earwigs, neither insect poses a direct threat to human health.
To recap, here are some characteristics of bristletails and silverfish:
- Bristletails:
- More common outdoors
- Less likely to cause damage in kitchens and bathrooms
- Silverfish:
- More common indoors
- Likely to cause damage to books, wallpaper, and textiles
- Often found in damp environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms
Interesting Facts and Biology
The Ancient and Unique Lineage
Silverfish and jumping bristletails belong to two different insect orders, Thysanura and Archaeognatha, respectively. Both groups form part of the wingless insects’ subclass called Apterygota. These ancient insects have existed since the Late Devonian period, around 360 million years ago, demonstrating their well-adapted survival skills.
Development and Evolution
These insects exhibit ametabolous development, meaning they don’t undergo complete metamorphosis. Instead, they grow by molting, gradually increasing in size and maturity. This primitive mode of growth displays their ancient lineage within the Hexapod class.
Silverfish:
- North American species
- Found in warm, damp environments such as bathrooms
- Feeds on organic matter
Jumping Bristletails:
- Belongs to the family Machilidae
- Known for their jumping ability
- Mottled, camouflaging body patterns
Wingless Insects
Silverfish and bristletails are wingless insects with elongated, flattened bodies. Both have distinctive features, such as threadlike, lengthy antennae and scale-covered bodies.
Comparison table
| Feature / Species | Silverfish | Jumping Bristletail |
|---|---|---|
| Order | Thysanura | Archaeognatha |
| Family | Lepismatidae | Machilidae |
| Insect group | Apterygota | Apterygota |
| Body shape | Flattened | Flattened |
| Antennae | Long, threadlike | Long, threadlike |
| Scales | Yes | Yes |
Mysterious Movements
Silverfish and bristletails have unique locomotion methods. Silverfish wiggle their bodies in a fish-like manner, hence the name. On the other hand, bristletails boast a jumping ability, propelling their bodies for a short distance with astonishing force. Their distinct movement patterns and behavior make them intriguing subjects within the insect world.
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Silverfish, Bristletails and Firebrats
Hello I live in England and I was hoping you could help me work out what the bugs I have in my lavatory are .They are small brown ,worm like and they move by slithering along the floor they remind me of silverfish the way they move but are the wrong colour.
thankyou
Angela Thompson
Hi Angela,
Firebrats are close relatives of Silverfish and are brownish in color. They prefer warm areas, and might be attracted to the heat in your bathroom. They are similar in habits to the silverfish, and are also household pests that feed on starchy substances like book bindings, starched clothing and wall paper paste.
Letter 2 – Silverfish, Bristletails and Firebrats
These little things are ratherr shiny, jump great lengths compared to their size. The one in the picture is about 1/4 inch long – I’ve seen them up to about 1/2 inch. We had the house fumigated for termites 8 weeks ago; these were among the earliest re-entrant critters. Can you identify this thing?
Thanks, … Al
Dear Al,
You have a Jumping Bristletail, Family Meinertellidae. They are related to silverfish and are found in leaf litter and in old stone walls. Some species invade houses. Most species are nocturnal, abhor light and are secretive in their habits.
Letter 3 – Silverfish, Bristletails and Firebrats
Are the legs of the silverfish poisonous? I highly doubt they are, but my father in law claims they are.
Thanks,
Colin
Dear Colin,
No the legs of silverfish are not poisonous.
Letter 4 – Silverfish, Bristletails and Firebrats
Dear What’s that Bug,
Last night in yoga class, while doing a spinal twist, I spotted a silverfish darting across the floorboards very near my mat. I broke my pose, grabbed a purple foam block, and squished the silverfish, leaving its mutilated body on the gleaming hardwood floors. I have two questions. First of all, is it bad karma to kill a bug in yoga class? Also, is there any way that I might bring an infestation back to my home?
Thank you,
Lethal Lotus
Dear Lethal Lotus,
Though we here at What’s That Bug? are not practicing Buddhists, we are aware that it is a Zen canon to think of ourselves as one with the universe, and that includes silverfish. Can’t we all just get along? Was the silverfish harming you in any way? I would strongly suggest that you do some karmic retribution.
Regarding your second question, to which former HomeBody of the Month Miss Swanlund will strongly attest, once silverfish become naturalized, they are nearly impossible for even the cleanest homemaker to eradicate. The silverfish themselves do not ascribe to the Zen way of life, hence they are interested in overrunning homes and eating books with little thought of how this might affect the human tenants. War is war. Silverfish are notorious for seeking out cramped quarters and crevices, especially those of the dark moist variety. It is entirely possible to transport one of the wily critters on your person, especially if it should somehow find itself in an environment not conducive to its needs, like a brightly lit room full of contorted bodies where the odds of getting squished are high. It is also possible that one of your fellow yoga enthusiasts transported the victim of your brutal attack, and its siblings, to the site of your encounter.
Letter 5 – Silverfish, Bristletails and Firebrats
Hi,
I was restiching a pair of pants yesterday when out crawled a strange looking bug. It startled me and frightened me because I hadn’t ever seen anything like it before. It was no longer than say 4-6 mm. It was basically yellow, but with other colors on it. It had 2 "thingies" trailing behind it. It was rather flat and narrow and moved fairly fast considering it’s size. I killed it so I’m going by a 5-10 second memory recall. The pants are made of 100% polyester, from Guatemala. I realize that I haven’t given you much to work with , but if you can identify it I’d be appreciative.
Thanks for your time,
Mrs. Irish
It sounds like the dreaded silverfish, a household pest which will devour any and everything in the house. Sadly, and much to our embarassment here at What’s That Bug?, the silverfish is our one big failure story. As much as we tried, it seems we could never figure out a way for Miss Swanlund, former Homebody of the Month, to eradicate the pestilence from her tiny and cozy Hollywood starlet apartment, forcing her to buy a home and leave many of her prized books and possessions behind.
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Silverfish, Bristletails and Firebrats
Hello I live in England and I was hoping you could help me work out what the bugs I have in my lavatory are .They are small brown ,worm like and they move by slithering along the floor they remind me of silverfish the way they move but are the wrong colour.
thankyou
Angela Thompson
Hi Angela,
Firebrats are close relatives of Silverfish and are brownish in color. They prefer warm areas, and might be attracted to the heat in your bathroom. They are similar in habits to the silverfish, and are also household pests that feed on starchy substances like book bindings, starched clothing and wall paper paste.
Letter 2 – Silverfish, Bristletails and Firebrats
These little things are ratherr shiny, jump great lengths compared to their size. The one in the picture is about 1/4 inch long – I’ve seen them up to about 1/2 inch. We had the house fumigated for termites 8 weeks ago; these were among the earliest re-entrant critters. Can you identify this thing?
Thanks, … Al
Dear Al,
You have a Jumping Bristletail, Family Meinertellidae. They are related to silverfish and are found in leaf litter and in old stone walls. Some species invade houses. Most species are nocturnal, abhor light and are secretive in their habits.
Letter 3 – Silverfish, Bristletails and Firebrats
Are the legs of the silverfish poisonous? I highly doubt they are, but my father in law claims they are.
Thanks,
Colin
Dear Colin,
No the legs of silverfish are not poisonous.
Letter 4 – Silverfish, Bristletails and Firebrats
Dear What’s that Bug,
Last night in yoga class, while doing a spinal twist, I spotted a silverfish darting across the floorboards very near my mat. I broke my pose, grabbed a purple foam block, and squished the silverfish, leaving its mutilated body on the gleaming hardwood floors. I have two questions. First of all, is it bad karma to kill a bug in yoga class? Also, is there any way that I might bring an infestation back to my home?
Thank you,
Lethal Lotus
Dear Lethal Lotus,
Though we here at What’s That Bug? are not practicing Buddhists, we are aware that it is a Zen canon to think of ourselves as one with the universe, and that includes silverfish. Can’t we all just get along? Was the silverfish harming you in any way? I would strongly suggest that you do some karmic retribution.
Regarding your second question, to which former HomeBody of the Month Miss Swanlund will strongly attest, once silverfish become naturalized, they are nearly impossible for even the cleanest homemaker to eradicate. The silverfish themselves do not ascribe to the Zen way of life, hence they are interested in overrunning homes and eating books with little thought of how this might affect the human tenants. War is war. Silverfish are notorious for seeking out cramped quarters and crevices, especially those of the dark moist variety. It is entirely possible to transport one of the wily critters on your person, especially if it should somehow find itself in an environment not conducive to its needs, like a brightly lit room full of contorted bodies where the odds of getting squished are high. It is also possible that one of your fellow yoga enthusiasts transported the victim of your brutal attack, and its siblings, to the site of your encounter.
Letter 5 – Silverfish, Bristletails and Firebrats
Hi,
I was restiching a pair of pants yesterday when out crawled a strange looking bug. It startled me and frightened me because I hadn’t ever seen anything like it before. It was no longer than say 4-6 mm. It was basically yellow, but with other colors on it. It had 2 "thingies" trailing behind it. It was rather flat and narrow and moved fairly fast considering it’s size. I killed it so I’m going by a 5-10 second memory recall. The pants are made of 100% polyester, from Guatemala. I realize that I haven’t given you much to work with , but if you can identify it I’d be appreciative.
Thanks for your time,
Mrs. Irish
It sounds like the dreaded silverfish, a household pest which will devour any and everything in the house. Sadly, and much to our embarassment here at What’s That Bug?, the silverfish is our one big failure story. As much as we tried, it seems we could never figure out a way for Miss Swanlund, former Homebody of the Month, to eradicate the pestilence from her tiny and cozy Hollywood starlet apartment, forcing her to buy a home and leave many of her prized books and possessions behind.
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
