What do predatory bedbugs look like? - briefly
They are tiny, oval‑shaped insects about 4–5 mm long, reddish‑brown when fed and lighter after a molt, with a flattened dorsal surface, visible antennae, and short legs. Their heads bear sharp, piercing mouthparts and lack pronounced wing pads, reflecting a predatory lifestyle.
What do predatory bedbugs look like? - in detail
Predatory bedbugs are small, wingless insects belonging to the family Cimicidae. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, comparable to a grain of rice, and exhibit an oval, flattened body that tapers slightly toward the rear. Their exoskeleton is a matte brown‑black color, darkening after a blood meal. The dorsal surface bears a subtle, fine pattern of pale, crescent‑shaped markings along the edges of the thorax, which can aid identification under magnification.
Key morphological traits include:
- Head: Short, rounded, with prominent, bulging compound eyes positioned laterally. Antennae consist of five slender segments, each bearing fine sensory setae.
- Mouthparts: Elongated, needle‑like proboscis adapted for piercing the cuticle of other insects; the stylet is concealed within a compact labium when not in use.
- Thorax: Three distinct segments each bearing a pair of legs. Legs are slender, ending in small claws that facilitate grasping prey. The coxae are robust, providing leverage during rapid lunges.
- Abdomen: Segmented, slightly convex, with a series of dorsal bristles (setae) that are longer on the posterior segments. The terminal segment houses a pair of short cerci, used for sensory detection of vibrations.
- Coloration: Uniformly dark brown to black, with a faint, glossy sheen on the cuticle. After feeding, the abdomen expands and may appear reddish‑brown due to ingested hemolymph.
Under a stereomicroscope, the predatory species can be differentiated from blood‑feeding relatives by the more pronounced curvature of the proboscis and the presence of additional sensory hairs on the antennae. Their legs are proportionally longer, reflecting the need for swift capture of mobile prey such as other cimicids or small arthropods.