2026/03/26 by Valentin Moser, Nikolaus U. Szucsich · 1 voice
Arts and Humanities · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Environmental Science · #Conservation Techniques and Studies #Fossil Insects in Amber #Species Distribution and Climate Change
paper · pdf · doi:10.3897/alpento.10.164953
openalex publication_date 2026/03/26 · openalex created_date 2026/03/27 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/02
Zygentoma, encompassing silverfish and allies, are an ancient lineage of wingless insects, often associated with human environments in Central Europe. Knowledge in Switzerland on the distribution and ecology of both native and non-native species is very limited. This study summarizes the historic and current knowledge on the distribution and ecology of Zygentoma in Switzerland using a literature review, specimens’ collection, and citizen science observations submitted to iNaturalist.org and GBIF.org. We document three native species: Atelura formicaria Heyden, 1855, Lepisma saccharinum Linnaeus, 1758 and Ctenolepisma lineatum Fabricius, 1775 and three non-native, synanthropic taxa: Ctenolepisma longicaudatum Escherich, 1905 and Ctenolepisma phantasma Molero-Baltanás, Raphel, Mitchell & Jose, 2025 as well as the greenhouse-associated taxa Nicoletia phytophila Gervais, 1844. Synanthropic species seem to benefit from modern building designs and are now widespread. Climate change may further promote expansions into outdoor environments and enable new species to colonize Switzerland. The combination of cryptic, nocturnal behaviour, identification challenges, and a lack of systematic monitoring has resulted in significant knowledge gaps. Ongoing surveys, specimen collections, and the continued use of citizen science platforms are essential for tracking future changes in the distribution and community composition of Zygentoma in Switzerland.