How does a stinky bedbug look? - briefly
A stinky bedbug is a tiny, oval, reddish‑brown insect roughly 4–5 mm in length, featuring a flat dorsal surface, visible antennae, and six legs. Its abdomen may swell after feeding, and it can emit a faint, unpleasant odor when disturbed.
How does a stinky bedbug look? - in detail
A stinky bedbug is a small, flattened insect, typically measuring 4–5 mm in length when unfed and expanding to about 7 mm after a blood meal. The exoskeleton displays a reddish‑brown hue that darkens to deep mahogany after feeding. The dorsal surface is covered with fine, overlapping plates called tergites, each bearing tiny, pale‑colored pits that give a subtly textured appearance.
The head is proportionally small, equipped with a pair of elongated, slender antennae that extend forward and upward. Mandibles are sharp, designed for piercing skin and extracting blood. The thorax bears three distinct segments, each supporting a pair of legs with clawed tarsi that enable swift movement across fabrics and mattress seams.
A notable feature is the presence of specialized scent glands located near the posterior abdomen. These glands release a pungent, musty odor when the bug is disturbed or crushed, serving as a defensive mechanism against predators. The odor is comparable to a mixture of decay and mildew, detectable within a few centimeters of the insect.
Key visual characteristics:
- Size: 4–5 mm (fasting), up to 7 mm (fed)
- Color: Reddish‑brown, darkening after a meal
- Body shape: Flattened, oval, with overlapping dorsal plates
- Antennae: Long, slender, positioned on the head
- Legs: Six, each ending in a hooked claw for gripping textiles
- Scent glands: Posterior abdomen, emit strong, unpleasant smell when activated
The combination of compact dimensions, muted coloration, and the distinctive odor-producing structures makes the stinky variety readily identifiable under close inspection.