What do wood bed bugs look like? - briefly
Wood bed bugs are small (≈4–5 mm), oval, reddish‑brown insects with a flattened body and visible wing pads. They possess an elongated head and lack the striped pattern typical of common bed bugs.
What do wood bed bugs look like? - in detail
Wood‑dwelling bed bugs belong to the species Cimex hemipterus that colonizes timber structures. Adult insects measure 4‑5 mm in length, approximately the size of a grain of rice, and display an oval, dorsoventrally flattened body.
The exoskeleton is a uniform reddish‑brown hue, darkening after a blood meal to a deep mahogany tone. The dorsal surface lacks distinct markings; instead, it presents a smooth, non‑shiny texture. Legs are short, each bearing five segments with tiny, hook‑shaped tarsal claws adapted for grasping wood fibers.
Antennae consist of four slender segments, each bearing fine sensory hairs. Wings are absent; the thorax is fused with the abdomen, giving the insect its characteristic compact silhouette. The abdomen exhibits a series of subtle, pale‑colored bands that become more pronounced in freshly emerged individuals.
Key differences from the common household bed bug (Cimex lectularius) include:
- Preference for wooden crevices rather than mattress seams.
- Slightly larger body size and a more robust, broader abdomen.
- Absence of the characteristic “crown” of dark spots on the pronotum seen in C. lectularius.
Visual identification tips:
- Look for tiny, flattened beetle‑like insects in drill holes, cracks, and joints of wooden furniture.
- Observe the uniform reddish‑brown coloration, especially after feeding when the body turns darker.
- Note the lack of wings and the presence of four‑segmented antennae with fine setae.
- Examine the ventral side for the pale transverse bands that fade with age.
Accurate recognition relies on close inspection of size, coloration, body shape, and the distinctive antennae and leg morphology that set wood‑associated bed bugs apart from other wood insects and common domestic pests.