LESPISMA Saccharin (silverfish) ( Lepisma saccharina , Linnaeus 1758) is an insect Lucifuge, fast and without wings, is synanthropic, or the can be found in human habitations, and is very popular. The appearance of the insect body, silvery oblong, justifies its common name. The scientific name, however, is linked the fact that this insect feeds on carbohydrates or starches such as lozucchero . Belongs to the order Thysanura Zygentoma or , and exists on our planet for over three hundred million years.
The body of silverfish is stretched thin. It has two antennae very long and sensitive, and three long cerci rear also with tactile feedback. The body (excluding antennae and cerci) up to about 1 cm in length. The c olor metal body comes from silvery scales that are formed after the third moult.
Development
Depending on the conditions of life, a silverfish become fully adult in a period ranging between four months and three years. At room temperature (21-23 degrees C) becomes an adult within a year. It can live from two to eight years, and can change up to about eight times in all and up to about four times a year. At a temperature between 25 and 30 degrees, the female lays about a hundred eggs, preferably in sheltered ati as cracks or fissures. The silverfish can not reproduce in cold and dry.
Power
favorite food of silverfish are substances that contain starch or polysaccharides such as dextrin in adhesives used an insect love then glue the bindings of books, photos, stamps, sugar, hair, dandruff and dust. Do not disdain even cotton, linen, silk, dead insects or even its very Exuvia (skin lost in the blank). In If you can not find other food, silverfish can get to ruin leather clothing (belts, shoes) or synthetic fiber clothing. However, it can go without food for months without suffering.
Habitat
The silverfish are common in human dwellings. Are often found, inter alia, under refrigerators, bathrooms well-heated, in cracks and crevices of the tiles. They love to chew books, tapestries and textiles. They can sometimes be confused with another species with similar habits and appearance, the Thermobia home, but prefer a warmer environment, such as bakehouse.
Playing
Because of the nocturnal habits of silverfish, their sexual behavior has been discovered only recently. Throughout the process of mating, the male and female tutt'in run around. The male lays a spermatofora, a capsule of seed covered by filaments similar to those of a spider web or cocoon. The female picks it up and found the capsule, giving to an "indirect insemination.
Enemies: Forficula auricularia
The main enemy of silverfish is Forficula auricularia , also known as "tenaglietta" or "scissors" or "tagliaforbici" for rear appendages, similar to the clamps, which are used during mating.
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