It’s about 2-3mm in length. Central European location.
this post was submitted on 27 May 2026
99 points (99.0% liked)
What is this thing?
8323 readers
1 users here now
Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.
Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.
founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
If I’m reading this correctly, they shouldn’t be harmful to humans, right?
I’m wondering whether I should report them to someone or let them be
They don't hurt humans or pets. They'll also tend to hide, given the opportunity.
They do like to eat paper, however. One silverfish isn't a big deal, but if you see them often it's worth looking into deterrents or pest treatment. When there are lots, you'll start to notice holes in notes, books, etc — most particularly (in my experience), loose pieces of paper left undisturbed for a length of time.
I've had a few in my apartment. I sprinkled dichotomous Earth where I saw them and haven't seen any more for a while.
Sounds like a cool book title or band name.
I think autocorrect screwed you and you meant diatomaceous?
But not both!
Inclusive or
Ha, a dichotomy is XOR by definition.
Jointly exhaustive then
Maybe it's just a very tasty book and they haven't come back because they're so full.
Correct!
They are harmless per se, however if they appear suddenly they might be an indication of a water leak or humidity to which they're drawn to. They like to settle on starchy materials: books, wallpaper that sort of stuff.
Not harmful, mostly an annoyance.
It's the gray or long-tailed silverfish: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenolepisma_longicaudatum
They can be somewhat of a pest if they are in your house (unlike regular silverfish, who are relatively benign) and if you have books, or other papermaterial stored.
They are indeed harmless, but they can multiply a lot and ruin furniture if left undisturbed. My mom spent this winter dealing with an infestation in her house.
If you keep seeing them, you should take action before they can get out of hand