How does a soldier bed bug feed? - briefly
The soldier bug inserts its needle‑like proboscis into the host’s skin, releases anticoagulant saliva, and siphons blood until fully engorged. Feeding usually lasts five to ten minutes before the insect withdraws to its refuge.
How does a soldier bed bug feed? - in detail
The soldier bed bug obtains a blood meal through a series of highly specialized actions. First, the insect detects a suitable host by sensing body heat, carbon‑dioxide exhalation, and skin odors. Once a host is located, the bug climbs onto exposed skin or clothing and positions its head near a capillary.
The feeding apparatus consists of two elongated stylets housed within the proboscis. The outer stylet pierces the epidermis, while the inner stylet penetrates a blood vessel. Saliva is injected simultaneously; it contains anticoagulants, vasodilators, and a mild anesthetic that prevent clotting and mask the bite.
Blood is drawn by suction generated by muscular contractions of the bug’s foregut. An engorged individual can increase its body mass by up to 200 % within 5–10 minutes. After the meal, the insect withdraws the stylets, seals the wound with a thin layer of saliva, and retreats to a sheltered location.
Post‑feeding processes include:
- Digestion: Proteolytic enzymes break down hemoglobin; the gut stores the meal for several days.
- Excretion: Excess water and waste are expelled as a dark, liquid droplet.
- Molting or reproduction: Depending on the developmental stage, the bug either prepares for the next molt or begins egg production.
The entire cycle repeats after a period of dormancy that can range from a few days to several weeks, governed by temperature, humidity, and host availability.