Firebrat

/ˈfaɪrbræt/ noun

Definition

A small, silvery insect similar to a silverfish that thrives in warm environments and is commonly found in boilers, furnaces, and other hot spaces.

Etymology

Compound of 'fire' and 'brat' (possibly from German or archaic usage meaning a young animal). Named for its preference for hot environments.

Kelly Says

Firerats are genuinely bizarre insects—they're one of the few creatures that actually prefer extreme heat and can survive in environments hot enough to kill most other insects, making them the extremophiles of the insect world.

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