Pronunciation: thi-s-NU-ra

Common name(s): bristle tails, silverfish, firebrat

Mouthparts: chewing

Wings: none (=Apterygota)

Metamorphosis: none (=ametabolus)

Body Characteristics:

abdominal appendages (=styli)
3 terminal appendages (2 cerci and 1 median filament) that are very hairy
Long antennae.
body flattened and covered with flaky scale-like material

Where found: Common occupants of dorms, apartments and basements of buildings, especially near heating systems (firebrats) or areas of higher humidity like bathrooms (silverfish). Others outdoors

Economic impact: Silverfish feed on starches in old libraries/papers. Common but insignificant occupant of older apartment, office buildings

Size of order: 400 species (30 in No. America)

• Gordon's Entomological Homepage
• University of Arizona Tree of Life Page (Very Interesting Site!)