Thysanura ~ Silverfish

Although disgusting when found in bathrooms or kitchens, silverfish are not so bad when they inhabit areas outdoors. They can usually be found under logs and rocks or in leaf litter. Thysanurans eat decaying plant material as well as a variety of organic debris or substances with starch, such as paper. Silverfish have no wings and do not jump, but can run quickly. This order does not develop through metamorphosis; the young look like adults and continue to molt their entire lives. Young and adults are often found together as they tend to congregate in favorable habitats. Size is small to medium, the largest individuals reaching about 20 mm in length. Identification beyond order is rather difficult in this group. These are the Families of Thysanura (silverfish) likely to be encountered in Austin, Texas:

Lepismatidae [silverfish]