In this article we will discuss about the structure of silver fish (Lepisma) with the help of diagram.
Fig. 146 SILVER FISH (LEPISMA)
1. It is a very common insect found among books, behind picture frames, among leaves& under stones etc. and is commonly called silver fish.
2. Body fattened, delicate and is covered over with delicate silvery scales.
3. Head bears a pair of lateral sessile eye and a pair of long, filiform and pointed antennae.
4. A very wide thorax comprises of three segments e.g., prothorax, mesothorax and metathorax and bear 3 pairs of jointed appendages.
5. The abdomen is long and narrow.
6. Mouthparts of biting & chewing type and it feeds on starch, glue and paste in books etc. and avoids light.
7. It comprises 10 segments, the last of which bears a pair of long jointed lateral anal cerci and median unpaired caudal filament.
8. Development is indirect and through metamorphosis.