How to determine that a bedbug has a green coloration? - briefly
Examine the specimen under natural or magnified light; a genuine green hue manifests uniformly across the body and wings, clearly differing from the usual reddish‑brown coloration.
How to determine that a bedbug has a green coloration? - in detail
Identifying a green hue in a Cimex lectularius requires systematic observation and documentation.
Visual inspection under natural daylight reveals any deviation from the typical reddish‑brown coloration. A faint or vivid green tint may appear on the dorsal surface, particularly on the pronotum or hemelytra.
Magnification with a stereomicroscope (10–40×) enhances color discrimination. Adjust illumination to avoid color distortion; use a white LED source with a color temperature of 5500 K. Note the presence of green iridescence, which may become more apparent at oblique angles.
Spectrophotometric analysis provides quantitative confirmation. Place a single specimen on a non‑reflective background, record reflectance spectra from 400 nm to 700 nm, and compare the peak wavelength to known green standards (≈ 520–560 nm).
Environmental influences must be considered. Recent blood meals, molting stage, and exposure to certain fabrics or chemicals can alter surface coloration. Document the specimen’s recent history to rule out temporary discoloration.
Photographic documentation should employ a calibrated camera with a macro lens. Include a neutral‑gray reference card in each image to enable post‑processing color correction. Store images in RAW format for maximum fidelity.
Procedural checklist:
- Examine specimen under daylight; record any green coloration.
- Observe with stereomicroscope; adjust angle and lighting.
- Capture reflectance spectrum; verify peak in green range.
- Review feeding and molting records for confounding factors.
- Photograph with color‑calibrated setup; archive data.
Following these steps ensures reliable determination of green coloration in bed bugs.