314 OUR HOUSEHOLD INSECTS 



many years, and have more or less continuously had 

 them under observation, and yet have never heard the 

 slightest sound proceed from them, it may perhaps be 

 allowed to be still somewhat sceptical. 



Another kindred insect sometimes accompanies Atropos 

 in its burglarious visits to insect collections. It is a 

 rather larger creature, with more prominent eyes, and 

 with roundish scales in lieu of wings. It is called 

 Glothilla pulsatoria. Another, still larger, of a blackish 

 colour, may also very occasionally be found in extremely 

 neglectefl collections, especially of foreign insects. It 

 is known as Clothilla or Lepinotus picea. There is a 

 family likeness about these insects that is unmistakable, 

 and renders them easily recognised, and they can 

 scarcely be confounded with the larger, more rotund, 

 and slower eight-legged mite, which is even a worse 

 enemy to collections of dried insects. 



Our next example of household insects is the silver-fish 

 insect. This curious little creature has had a varying 

 reputation, at one time being regarded as harmless, and 

 at others accused of causing serious damage. There is 

 abundant evidence to show that the latter is the true 

 view, and we are therefore justified in including the 

 silver fish in the list of our domestic pests. Scientifi- 

 cally it is known as Lepisma saccharina, and its popular 

 names, which are numerous, such as silver witch, sugar 

 fish, wood fish, sugar louse, bristle-tail, and silver fish, 

 refer to different details of its structure or habits. It 

 is an elongated, flattened, conical, or fish-shaped, wingless 

 creature (Fig. 106), with six legs, two long antennse, 

 and three long, bristle-like organs by way of tail ; the 

 whole being of a bluish or greyish silvery lustre, tinged 

 with yellowish colour about antennse and legs. The 



