How does a street bedbug look? - briefly
A street‑dwelling bed bug is a small, oval, reddish‑brown insect about 4–5 mm in length, with a flattened back, distinct antennae, and six visible legs. Its surface bears fine hairs and the eyes are reduced to tiny ocelli.
How does a street bedbug look? - in detail
A street‑dwelling bedbug is a small, oval insect measuring 4–5 mm in length when unfed and expanding to about 7 mm after a blood meal. Its body is dorsoventrally flattened, facilitating movement through narrow cracks in pavement and building foundations. The exoskeleton is matte brown, turning reddish‑brown after feeding, with a lighter, almost amber‑colored abdomen visible through the translucent cuticle.
The head is concealed beneath the pronotum, bearing a pair of elongated, needle‑like mouthparts adapted for piercing skin. Antennae consist of five slender segments, each tipped with fine sensilla for detecting heat and carbon dioxide. Compound eyes are reduced, reflecting the insect’s reliance on tactile and chemical cues rather than vision.
Legs are six in total, each ending in tiny claws that grip rough surfaces. The legs are covered with fine setae, providing sensory feedback and aiding in rapid crawling. The tarsal segments possess adhesive pads that allow the bug to climb vertical walls and smooth surfaces such as glass.
Key morphological features:
- Size: 4–5 mm (unfed), up to 7 mm (engorged)
- Color: matte brown, turning reddish‑brown after a meal
- Body shape: oval, dorsoventrally flattened
- Mouthparts: elongated proboscis, five‑segmented antennae
- Legs: six, with claws, setae, and adhesive pads
- Eyes: reduced compound eyes, minimal visual capacity
The abdomen contains three dorsal plates (tergites) that are slightly raised, giving a segmented appearance. The ventral side bears a pair of spiracles on each side, used for respiration. When threatened, the insect can emit a faint, defensive odor from glands located near the abdomen. This combination of size, coloration, and specialized appendages distinguishes the street variety from its domestic relatives and enables it to thrive in urban environments.