The eggs are deposited in crevices or under objects singly or in groups of 2 or 3. The female deposits 1-3 eggs per day or at irregular intervals of up to several weeks depending upon availability of food. Eggs hatch in 43 days at 72 F and in 19 days at 90 F. Females may reproduce at 3-4 months of age. Nymphs are 1/8″ in size and scaleless when hatched. The first instar lasts 7-10 days; successive instars are 2- 3 weeks long. Scales develop in the third instar. Adults may live up to 3 1/2 years, but most live 2 years under favorable conditions (72-80 F, relative humidity of 75%- 97%). Silverfish may pass through up to 59 instars in their lifetimes.