What does a bedbug look like? - briefly
A bedbug is a small, flat, oval insect about 4–5 mm long, reddish‑brown, wingless, with a pointed head, visible antennae and six legs. Its segmented abdomen tapers toward the rear, giving the body a distinctive “boat‑shaped” outline.
What does a bedbug look like? - in detail
Bed bugs are small, oval‑shaped insects measuring approximately 4–5 mm in length when unfed. Their bodies are flat dorsally and become distinctly swollen after a blood meal, expanding to about 6–7 mm. The coloration ranges from reddish‑brown to dark brown; after feeding the abdomen turns a brighter, engorged red.
Key morphological features include:
- Head: short, concealed beneath the pronotum, with a pair of compound eyes positioned laterally.
- Antennae: four segmented, slender, extending forward from the head.
- Pronotum: shield‑like plate covering the thorax, slightly wider than the head, bearing a smooth, rounded edge.
- Legs: six in total, each with five segments, ending in tiny claws adapted for clinging to fabric.
- Abdomen: composed of five visible segments, each bearing fine hair‑like setae; the posterior segment terminates in a pair of spiracles for respiration.
Nymphal stages resemble adults but are lighter in color and smaller, increasing in size and darkening with each molt. After a blood meal, both nymphs and adults exhibit a pronounced abdominal distension, giving the insect a plump appearance. The exoskeleton is soft when newly emerged, hardening within hours.
These characteristics enable reliable identification of the species in domestic environments.