1. Egg: Silverfish start their life as eggs. Female silverfish lay clusters of eggs in small cracks and crevices in moist areas. The eggs are tiny, oval, and white.
2. Nymph: Once hatched, silverfish enter the nymph stage. Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller in size and have a lighter color. They undergo several molts as they grow and develop. Each time a nymph molts, it sheds its outer skin and grows larger.
3. Adult: After going through several nymphal stages, the silverfish reaches adulthood. Adult silverfish are typically around 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) long. They are silvery-gray in color and have a flattened, elongated body. Adult silverfish continue to molt throughout their lives, but the molts become less frequent as they age.
Throughout their life cycle, silverfish feed on various materials such as paper, fabrics, food, and other organic substances. They are nocturnal insects and prefer dark, moist environments, which is why they are commonly found in basements, attics, bathrooms, and other damp areas of homes and buildings.
Silverfish typically live for about 2 years but can live for longer under favorable conditions. They reproduce rapidly, and their population can quickly grow if there are suitable food sources and hiding places.