How long do bedbug larvae live? - briefly
Bedbug nymphs develop through five instars, each lasting roughly one to two weeks, so the entire larval period spans about four to six weeks under typical indoor temperatures. «The nymphal stage can extend up to two months if conditions are favorable».
How long do bedbug larvae live? - in detail
Bedbug development proceeds through five immature stages, each called a nymph. The total time from hatching to the adult stage depends primarily on temperature and access to blood meals. At optimal conditions (approximately 27 °C or 80 °F) a nymph requires a blood meal to molt to the next stage; each molt typically occurs within 4‑7 days. Consequently, the complete immature period lasts about 20‑30 days.
When ambient temperature falls below 20 °C (68 °F), metabolic rates decrease, extending the interval between feedings and molts. Under cooler conditions the entire nymphal phase may stretch to 2‑3 months, and in extreme cold (below 10 °C) development can be arrested for several months, resuming when temperatures rise.
Feeding frequency also influences duration. A nymph that obtains a blood meal promptly after each molt progresses faster than one that experiences delayed feeding, which can add weeks to the developmental timeline.
Summarized factors affecting the lifespan of the immature stage:
- Temperature: higher temperatures accelerate development; lower temperatures slow or pause it.
- Blood‑meal availability: regular feeding shortens the period; scarcity prolongs it.
- Humidity: extreme dryness can increase mortality, indirectly affecting overall timeline.
In the absence of suitable conditions, nymphs may enter a state of dormancy, surviving for several months without feeding, but they will not progress to adulthood until favorable conditions return. Therefore, the immature lifespan ranges from about three weeks under ideal conditions to several months when environmental factors are suboptimal.