What do linen bedbugs look like? - briefly
Linen‑infesting bedbugs are tiny, oval insects about 4–5 mm long, flat‑bodied, wingless, and reddish‑brown; after feeding they appear darker and slightly swollen. Their bodies are smooth, without visible segmentation, and they move quickly across fabric.
What do linen bedbugs look like? - in detail
Linen bedbugs are small, wingless insects that resemble common bedbugs but are adapted to textile environments. Adult specimens measure 4–5 mm in length, with a flat, oval body that expands after feeding. The exoskeleton is a pale reddish‑brown hue when unfed and darkens to a deep burgundy after a blood meal. Their antennae are short, segmented into five parts, and positioned near the head. Six legs emerge from the thorax, each ending in tiny claws that aid in gripping fabric fibers.
Key visual markers include:
- Body shape: Broad, flattened dorsally, allowing easy concealment between tightly woven threads.
- Color variation: Light tan to reddish‑brown when empty; bright red to black after engorgement.
- Abdomen: Shows faint, transverse striations; the posterior end may display a slight pointed tip.
- Eyes: Simple ocelli, barely visible without magnification.
- Mouthparts: Piercing‑sucking rostrum located at the front, concealed beneath the head capsule.
Nymphal stages mirror the adult form but are progressively smaller, ranging from 1 mm in the first instar to 3 mm in the final molt. Their coloration remains lighter throughout development, providing a useful distinction for identification. Under magnification, the cuticle appears smooth, lacking the pronounced ridges seen in some related species. These characteristics collectively enable reliable recognition of linen‑dwelling bedbugs in household fabrics.