What do clothing bed bugs look like? - briefly
Clothing bed bugs are small, reddish‑brown insects about 4–5 mm in length, with a flat, oval body, visible eyes, and no wings. After feeding they appear darker, a characteristic that distinguishes them from similar insects such as carpet beetles.
What do clothing bed bugs look like? - in detail
Clothing‑infesting bed bugs are small, oval‑shaped insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when unfed and expanding to about 6–7 mm after a blood meal. Their bodies are flattened laterally, allowing easy penetration of fabric seams and folds. The dorsal surface exhibits a matte, reddish‑brown hue that darkens to a deeper rust color when engorged; unfed individuals appear lighter, almost tan. The abdomen is composed of five visible segments, each separated by faint, pale‑colored membranes.
The head is concealed beneath the pronotum, a shield‑like plate that arches over the eyes and antennae. Antennae consist of six slender segments, each tipped with a tiny sensory cone. Legs are six per side, slender and equipped with spines that aid in grasping fibers. The tarsi end in claws, enabling the bug to cling to woven material.
Key diagnostic features include:
- Shape: Broad, flattened oval with a smooth, rounded outline.
- Color variation: Light tan when unfed, deepening to reddish‑brown after feeding.
- Size change: Expansion of the abdomen by up to 50 % post‑blood meal.
- Pronotum: Prominent, curved shield covering the head and eyes.
- Antennae: Six‑segmented, thin, with terminal sensory cones.
- Legs: Six per side, spined, ending in clawed tarsi.
Nymphal stages resemble adults but are progressively smaller and lighter in color. First‑instar nymphs measure approximately 1.5 mm and appear translucent, gaining the characteristic brown tint only after several molts. All stages retain the same overall body plan, making identification possible at any life stage.
When examining clothing, look for the following signs: live or dead insects in seams, tiny dark spots (excrement) on fabric, and faint, rust‑colored stains from digested blood. The combination of size, shape, coloration, and distinctive pronotum provides a reliable basis for distinguishing clothing‑infesting bed bugs from other textile pests such as carpet beetles or moth larvae.