What do emerged bedbug larvae look like? - briefly
Newly emerged bedbug nymphs are pale, translucent, and about one millimeter long, lacking the dark coloration of mature insects. They have a flattened, oval body and undeveloped wings.
What do emerged bedbug larvae look like? - in detail
Newly hatched bedbug nymphs are pale, translucent insects measuring approximately 1 mm in length. Their bodies are elongated and oval, lacking the distinct reddish‑brown coloration of mature individuals. The cuticle appears almost glass‑like, allowing internal organs to be faintly visible through the thin exoskeleton.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Color: Cream‑white to light amber, gradually darkening after each molt.
- Eyes: Small, dark, positioned laterally on the head.
- Antennae: Four segmented, slender, matching the body’s pale hue.
- Mouthparts: Piercing‑sucking rostrum, not yet fully sclerotized, appearing as a fine, curved tube.
- Legs: Six legs, each with five tiny segments; legs are proportionally longer relative to body size than in later instars.
- Abdomen: Segmented, with faint dorsal ridges; no visible wing pads.
The nymph’s overall silhouette resembles that of a miniature adult but remains soft‑bodied and delicate. After the first molt, the insect adopts a slightly darker, more robust appearance, marking the transition to the second instar.