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Silverfish scales, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) is a primitive insect that has remained unchanged for millions of years, and is considered a living fossil. The silverfish is so named because it is covered in tiny shiny scales. It is a common household pest, feeding on starches in food, books and clothes. Magnification: x320 when printed at 10 centimetres wide. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/POWER AND SYRED)