 The scientific name for the species is "Lepisma saccharina", due to its tendency to eat starchy foods high in carbohydrates and protein, such as dextrin.However, the insect's more common name comes from its distinctive metallic appearance and fish-like shape.While the scientific name was established by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of "Systema Naturae", the common name has been in use since at least 1855.