What do bedbugs and lice look like? - briefly
Bedbugs are oval, reddish‑brown insects about 4–5 mm long, with flat bodies and distinct wing‑like folds along the back. Lice are tiny, wingless parasites; head lice measure 2–3 mm, appear grayish‑white, and have a broader head and six clawed legs.
What do bedbugs and lice look like? - in detail
Bedbugs are small, oval insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when unfed and expanding to about 7 mm after a blood meal. Their bodies are flat and dorsoventrally compressed, enabling them to hide in tight crevices. The exoskeleton is a matte, reddish‑brown color; freshly emerged nymphs appear creamy white and darken with each molt. Six legs extend from the thorax, each bearing a pair of tiny claws that grip fabric fibers. Antennae are short, segmented, and concealed beneath the head. The abdomen bears a distinct, crescent‑shaped pale spot on each side, visible only when the insect is viewed from above. Wingless, they possess a beak‑like proboscis used to pierce skin and feed on blood.
Lice are ectoparasites ranging from 2 to 4 mm in length, depending on species. Their bodies are laterally flattened, facilitating movement through hair or feather shafts. The coloration varies: head lice are gray‑white to tan, while body and pubic lice display a darker, brownish hue. Each adult bears three pairs of legs, all ending in sharp claws adapted for grasping hair shafts. Antennae are short and consist of five segments, often hidden under the head. The head bears a small, rounded shape with compound eyes positioned laterally. Mouthparts form a slender stylet capable of piercing the skin to ingest blood. Nymphs resemble miniature adults but lack fully developed genitalia and appear paler.
Key visual distinctions:
- Size: Bedbugs (4–7 mm) are larger than lice (2–4 mm).
- Body shape: Bedbugs are oval and flat; lice are elongated and laterally compressed.
- Color: Bedbugs exhibit reddish‑brown tones; lice range from pale gray to dark brown.
- Leg arrangement: Both have six legs, but lice have longer, more pronounced claws for anchoring in hair.
- Wings: Neither group possesses wings; both are wingless.
Recognizing these morphological details enables accurate identification during inspection or treatment.