Bedbugs, what do they look like? - briefly
Adult bedbugs are oval, flattened, reddish‑brown insects roughly 4–5 mm long; after feeding their abdomen expands and turns a brighter red. Nymphs appear as smaller, lighter‑colored versions of the adult, without the pronounced post‑feeding swelling.
Bedbugs, what do they look like? - in detail
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects belonging to the family Cimicidae. Adults measure approximately 4–5 mm in length, comparable to an apple seed, and display a flattened, oval body that expands after feeding.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Color: Initially pale, ranging from light brown to reddish‑brown after a blood meal; prolonged feeding can cause a darker, almost black hue.
- Shape: Elongated, dorsoventrally flattened, with a distinct “cigar‑shaped” silhouette; the abdomen tapers toward the rear.
- Surface texture: Smooth, glossy exoskeleton lacking visible hairs or scales.
- Eyes: Small, dark, and positioned near the front of the head; not prominent.
- Antennae: Four short, segmented antennae emerging from the head, each segment clearly defined.
- Legs: Six legs, each ending in tiny claws adapted for gripping fabric and mattress seams; legs are relatively short compared to the body length.
- Mouthparts: Piercing‑sucking proboscis concealed beneath the head, designed to penetrate skin and draw blood.
Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller (1–3 mm) and lighter in color, remaining translucent or pale until they ingest blood, at which point they darken. Their development passes through five instar stages, each acquiring the adult’s characteristic shape and size incrementally.
When disturbed, bed bugs may emit a faint, sweet odor due to defensive chemicals. Their exoskeleton can be shed during molting, leaving behind translucent shells that retain the same outline as the living insect.
Overall, the combination of size, flattened oval form, reddish‑brown coloration after feeding, and distinctive appendages provides a reliable visual profile for identification.