How does a domestic bed bug look: photos and size? - briefly
A domestic bed bug is a flattened, oval, reddish‑brown insect about 4–5 mm in length, with a distinct dark spot on its dorsal surface after feeding. Adults measure roughly 1 mm when unfed and up to 5 mm when engorged, resembling a tiny apple seed.
How does a domestic bed bug look: photos and size? - in detail
A domestic bed bug is a small, wing‑less insect whose body is flattened and oval when unfed. The adult’s dorsal surface shows a smooth, reddish‑brown exoskeleton; after a blood meal the abdomen swells and the color lightens to a tan hue. Length ranges from 5 mm to 7 mm (approximately 0.20–0.28 in); width is about 2.5 mm (0.10 in). When engorged, the bug can stretch to nearly 10 mm (0.40 in) in length.
Key visual characteristics:
- Shape: Elongated oval, slightly wider at the posterior.
- Color: Reddish‑brown when starved; pale brown or amber after feeding.
- Surface: Lacks wings; thorax bears tiny, barely visible bristles; abdomen shows faint segmentation.
- Head: Small, concealed beneath the thorax, with short, needle‑like mouthparts for piercing skin.
Nymphs resemble adults but are translucent or pale yellow, measuring 1.5 mm to 4 mm depending on developmental stage. Each molt produces a slightly larger, darker nymph. Eggs are about 1 mm long, oval, and chalky white, often attached to fabric seams or crevices.
Photographic references typically present three perspectives:
- Dorsal view – highlights the overall oval silhouette and coloration.
- Ventral view – reveals the tiny setae and the shape of the mouthparts.
- Close‑up of an engorged specimen – demonstrates the dramatic increase in size and the shift to a lighter tone.
These visual cues, combined with precise measurements, allow reliable identification of the household pest.