What do human bedbugs look like? - briefly
Human bedbugs are small, «reddish‑brown» insects about 4–5 mm long, with a flattened oval body and visible «dark wing pads». After feeding they become engorged, elongated, and lighter in coloration.
What do human bedbugs look like? - in detail
Adult human‑associated bedbugs are small, oval insects measuring 4–5 mm in length and about 2 mm in width. Their bodies are dorsoventrally flattened, giving a shield‑like appearance that facilitates movement beneath mattress seams. The exoskeleton is a matte, reddish‑brown hue; after a blood meal, the abdomen expands and the color shifts to a deeper, almost mahogany tone.
The head bears a short, beak‑like rostrum used for piercing skin. Four antennae arise from the front of the head, each consisting of five segments. Six legs emerge from the thorax; they are slender, with tiny claws that enable rapid crawling on fabric. The abdomen consists of five visible segments, each marked by fine, pale‑colored spiracles along the lateral margins.
Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller (1.5–2 mm) and lighter in color, lacking the deep reddish tint until their first blood meal. Each molt produces a larger, darker instar, with a total of five nymphal stages before reaching maturity.
Key identification points:
- Length ≈ 4–5 mm (adult); ≈ 1.5–2 mm (early nymph)
- Oval, flattened body shape
- Matte reddish‑brown exoskeleton; darker after feeding
- Five‑segmented abdomen with lateral spiracles
- Short rostrum and five‑segmented antennae
- Six slender legs with microscopic claws
These characteristics differentiate bedbugs from similar pests such as carpet beetles (hard, rounded bodies) and lice (elongated, mobile heads). Recognizing the described features enables accurate detection in residential settings.