National Insect Week returns in 2022

Silverfish & firebrats

ORDER: ZYGENTOMA

(Ancient Greek - zyg = bridge ; entoma= insect)

Wingless primitive insects up to 20mm long. More common in damp sheds than in the garden, medium sized, flattened, silvery scaled.

Insects in this order

The Firebrat
© Peter Barnard Firebrat Firebrats can move fast and their flat bodies allow them hide in narrow crevices and cracks. Young firebrats look similar to the adults...
The Silverfish
© Jim Hardie Silverfish Silverfish and firebrats are flightless insects, with flattened tapering bodies covered in scales. They have long antennae, reduced eyes, one long tail and two smaller side tails. Silverfish and firebrats are fast running and move their bodies in a 'fish'-like way. The...

What is National Insect Week?

National Insect Week encourages people of all ages to learn more about insects.

Every two years, the Royal Entomological Society organises the week, supported by a large number of partner organisations with interests in the science, natural history and conservation of insects.