• Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

• Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

• Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

• Insects (Class Insecta)

• Silverfishes (Order Zygentoma)

• Typical Silverfishes (Family Lepismatidae)

• Genus Ctenolepisma

• Long-tailed Silverfish (Ctenolepisma longicaudatum)

​

Genus Ctenolepisma is a widespread genus of primitive wingless insects  inhabiting natural environments such as caves, leaf litter, rock crevices, and bird or mammal nests, as well as human structures including homes, museums, libraries, warehouses, and food storage facilities. Ctenolepisma species are characterized by their flattened, elongated, silvery to gray bodies covered with tiny scales, long thread-like antennae, and three long tail-like appendages (cerci and median filament). They are nocturnal scavengers that feed primarily on materials rich in starches, sugars, cellulose, and proteins, including paper, book bindings, wallpaper paste, fabrics, cereals, and decaying plant material.