What does a bed bug look like in photos and description? - briefly
In photographs, a bed bug appears as a flat, oval insect about 4–5 mm long, reddish‑brown after feeding and lighter brown when unfed, with a segmented body, a pointed rostrum, and no wings. Key visual markers include a swollen abdomen following a blood meal and tiny white eggs attached to seams or fabric.
What does a bed bug look like in photos and description? - in detail
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects measuring approximately 5 mm in length and 2–3 mm in width when unfed. Their bodies are flattened laterally, giving an oval, bean‑shaped silhouette that allows them to hide in tight crevices. The exoskeleton is a matte, reddish‑brown hue; after a blood meal the abdomen expands and turns a brighter, engorged reddish color, often described as “bloated” in photographs.
Key visual characteristics observable in macro photographs include:
- Dorsal view: smooth, rounded pronotum covering the head; three distinct antenna segments; six legs, each ending in a claw; no wings or halteres.
- Ventral view: elongated, tapered abdomen with visible spiracles on each side; the posterior end may show a pointed “tail‑like” tip.
- Post‑feeding appearance: abdomen swollen to nearly double its unfed size; coloration shifts to a deep, almost black shade; a faint, rust‑colored stain may be visible on sheets where the insect has been crushed.
- Eggs and nymphs: eggs are tiny (≈1 mm), white, and oval; early‑instar nymphs resemble adults but are lighter in color and lack fully developed wing pads.
Photographic documentation often employs high‑contrast lighting to emphasize the insect’s texture. Close‑up images reveal the fine hairs (setae) on the pronotum and the segmented nature of the antennae. In situ photographs typically show the bugs clinging to mattress seams, headboards, or fabric folds, highlighting their preference for protected, dark environments.
Understanding these visual markers assists in accurate identification and differentiates bed bugs from similar pests such as carpet beetles or booklice, which lack the characteristic swollen abdomen and distinct dorsal pronotum shape.