What do bedbugs look like and what are their species? - briefly
Adult bedbugs are small, reddish‑brown insects about 4–5 mm long, with a flattened, oval body and dark dorsal spots. The primary human‑infesting species is Cimex lectularius, while Cimex hemipterus dominates in tropical areas, and additional Cimex species parasitize birds or bats.
What do bedbugs look like and what are their species? - in detail
Bedbugs are small, oval‑shaped insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when unfed and expanding to about 7 mm after a blood meal. Their bodies are flat dorsally, allowing them to hide in narrow crevices, and become convex when engorged. Color ranges from pale amber to reddish‑brown; freshly emerged specimens appear light tan, darkening after feeding. Antennae consist of four segmented sensilla, and each side bears three pairs of short, spine‑like legs. The mouthparts form a proboscis equipped with a needle‑like stylet for piercing skin and a salivary pump that injects anticoagulant enzymes. Wings are absent, and the abdomen ends in a pair of spiracles for respiration.
Principal species
- Cimex lectularius – the most common human‑associated bedbug; found worldwide in temperate regions; adult coloration typically reddish‑brown with a pale abdomen.
- Cimex hemipterus – tropical counterpart; thrives in hot, humid climates of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific; slightly larger than C. lectularius and often exhibits a darker hue.
- Cimex pilosellus – bat‑infesting species; inhabits roosting sites of insectivorous bats; distinguished by dense setae covering the dorsal surface.
- Cimex pipistrelli – another bat specialist; smaller than C. pilosellus, with a smoother exoskeleton and lighter coloration.
- Cimex dissimilis – associated with birds, particularly pigeons; characterized by a more elongated body and a mottled brown‑gray pattern.
- Leptocimex boueti – parasite of rodents in West Africa; noted for a slender build and reduced pigmentation.
- Afrocimex spp. – includes several African species that infest humans and wildlife; often display pronounced abdominal banding.
- Oeciacus spp. – primarily parasites of swallows; possess a narrower thorax and a distinct pale stripe along the dorsal midline.
- Haematosiphon inodorus – known as the “poultry bug”; feeds on domestic fowl; larger overall size and a more robust rostrum.
Each species shares the fundamental bedbug morphology but can be differentiated by host preference, geographic distribution, body size, coloration, and surface texture. Identification relies on microscopic examination of the pronotum shape, the pattern of abdominal tergite punctuations, and the structure of the genitalia in males.