What do domestic bedbugs look like? - briefly
Domestic bedbugs are small, oval insects measuring about 4–5 mm in length, with a flat, reddish‑brown body that appears matte when unfed. After feeding, they swell and become a darker, engorged, balloon‑like shape.
What do domestic bedbugs look like? - in detail
Domestic bedbugs are small, oval‑shaped insects that flatten when not feeding and become more engorged after a blood meal. Adults measure approximately 4–5 mm in length, comparable to an apple seed, and display a reddish‑brown hue that darkens to a deep mahogany after ingesting blood. The exoskeleton is smooth, lacking visible hairs, and the abdomen features a subtle, pale‑colored edge visible when the bug is viewed from the side.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Body shape: dorsoventrally flattened, enabling concealment in cracks and crevices.
- Coloration: light brown to reddish‑brown; post‑feeding individuals appear markedly swollen and darker.
- Head: small with a pair of short, beaded antennae consisting of five segments.
- Mouthparts: elongated, needle‑like proboscis adapted for piercing skin.
- Legs: six slender legs, each ending in a claw for gripping surfaces; legs are positioned near the abdomen’s posterior margin.
- Wings: absent; flight is impossible.
Nymphal stages resemble adults but are smaller (1.5–2.5 mm) and lighter in color, lacking the deep reddish tone until they have fed. Each molt results in a slight increase in size and a gradual darkening of the exoskeleton. Molting occurs five times before reaching maturity, with each instar retaining the same overall body plan.
When unfed, the insect’s silhouette appears as a flat, pale oval; after feeding, the abdomen expands to roughly twice its original size, creating a visibly rounded, bulging profile. The undersides of both adults and nymphs display a lighter, almost translucent membrane that may be observed when the bug is lifted from a surface.
These morphological details enable reliable identification of household bedbugs in various environments, from mattresses to wall voids. Accurate visual assessment is essential for confirming infestations and guiding appropriate control measures.