Ctenolepisma lineata

Ctenolepisma lineata

''Ctenolepisma lineata'' is a primitive insect of the order Thysanura. It is generally similar to the closely related Silverfish but can be distinguished by being rather stouter and less shiny with all appendages noticeably longer. The abdomen is often marked with dark brown lines and the species is sometimes called Four-lined Silverfish.

This species is native to southern Europe but is now found throughout most of the world as an accidental introduction although it is absent from polar and cooler temperate regions . It is found both indoors and outdoors and can be a nuisance pest.

Recent studies on this species in Europe suggest that there is enough geographical variation to justify splitting into several species. One form which has already been given specific status is ''Ctenolepisma almeriensis'' of south-eastern Spain.
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderThysanura
FamilyLepismatidae
GenusCtenolepisma
SpeciesC. lineata
Photographed in
Bulgaria
France