LEPISMA, in zoology; a genus of apterous insects, the characters of which are: They have six feet formed for running; the mouth is furnished with four palpi, two of which are cetaceous and two capitated; the tail is terminated by extended bristles, and the body imbricated with scales. There are 7 species. The saccharina (Plate CCLXXIV.) is an American species, so called because mostly found among sugar; but now common in Europe. It is of a leaden colour, but rather inclining to that of silver, by reason of the small silvery scales with which it is covered; by which same circumstance it resembles, especially in its under part, the silver fish. It is found in gardens, under boxes, and in the crevices of window-sashes in houses, where it is very common. It runs with great swiftness, and is difficult to catch. When touched, it loses part of its scales, and its softness makes it easy to crush.