How many larvae does one bedbug lay? - briefly
A single bed bug usually deposits five to seven eggs in one oviposition. Those eggs hatch into larvae after roughly 10–14 days when temperature and humidity are favorable.
How many larvae does one bedbug lay? - in detail
A female Cimex lectularius typically deposits between 1 and 5 eggs per day, averaging about 3. Over a reproductive span of roughly 4–6 months, the total clutch reaches 200–300 individuals. Egg development lasts 6–10 days at 22 °C, after which nymphs emerge and undergo five instars, each requiring a blood meal before molting. The cumulative output of one adult female therefore ranges from 150 to 350 larvae, depending on temperature, host availability, and the insect’s health.
Key factors influencing fecundity:
- Ambient temperature: higher temperatures accelerate egg maturation and increase daily oviposition rates.
- Blood‑meal frequency: regular feeding sustains egg production; prolonged starvation reduces output sharply.
- Age of the female: peak egg laying occurs during the first half of the adult stage; later weeks see a decline.
In controlled laboratory conditions at 28 °C with constant access to a host, a single female has been observed to lay up to 350 eggs before dying. Under cooler or suboptimal conditions, the total may fall below 150. The variability reflects the species’ adaptability to diverse environments.