What do domestic bedbug larvae look like? - briefly
Domestic bedbug nymphs are tiny, translucent to pale yellow, 1–4 mm long, with a segmented oval body, three pairs of legs, and no wings. Their coloration darkens after each molt, eventually matching the reddish‑brown hue of mature insects.
What do domestic bedbug larvae look like? - in detail
Domestic bedbug nymphs are small, soft‑bodied insects that differ markedly from the adult form. Their bodies are elongated and oval, lacking the hardened wing covers (elytra) seen in mature specimens. The first instar measures roughly 1.5 mm in length, appearing pale yellow‑white and almost translucent. As they molt, each successive stage grows about 1 mm larger and darkens, reaching approximately 4 mm by the fifth instar. By the final nymphal stage, coloration approaches the adult’s reddish‑brown hue, though the cuticle remains glossy rather than matte.
Key morphological features include:
- Head: Proportionally large, with a pair of prominent compound eyes and three simple ocelli positioned centrally. Antennae are five‑segmented, slender, and uniformly colored.
- Thorax: Comprises three segments (prothorax, mesothorax, metathorax), each bearing a pair of short, stout legs. Leg joints are clearly defined, and the tibiae end in tiny claws for clinging to fabric.
- Abdomen: Consists of ten visible segments. Early instars display a smooth, unmarked surface; later stages develop faint transverse bands and a subtle dorsal ridge.
- Mouthparts: Piercing‑sucking rostrum extends forward, appearing as a short, beak‑like projection. It is concealed beneath the head when not feeding.
The exoskeleton of early nymphs remains flexible, allowing movement through tight crevices. Molting fluid creates a thin, white sheath that may be observed near hiding spots. By the fifth instar, the nymph possesses a hardened cuticle similar to the adult, though it still lacks the fully developed genitalia that appear after the final molt.