What does a bedbug look like and how long does it live? - briefly
A bedbug is a tiny, oval, reddish‑brown insect roughly 4–5 mm in length, flattened when unfed and engorged after a blood meal. Adults generally live 6–12 months, while nymphs mature within a few weeks under suitable conditions.
What does a bedbug look like and how long does it live? - in detail
Bedbugs are small, flattened insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when unfed and expanding to about 7 mm after a blood meal. Their bodies are oval, dorsoventrally compressed, and covered with fine, hair‑like setae. Color ranges from pale brown in newly hatched nymphs to deep reddish‑brown in adults, with a slightly lighter abdomen. Six legs emerge from the thorax, each ending in a claw suitable for gripping fabric. Antennae are short, consisting of five segments, and the head bears a pair of elongated, piercing mouthparts used to draw blood.
The species follows a hemimetabolous development comprising five nymphal instars before reaching maturity. Each stage requires a blood meal to progress, and the interval between feedings depends on temperature, humidity, and host availability. Under optimal conditions (approximately 25 °C and 70 % relative humidity), the complete life cycle—from egg to reproducing adult—can be completed in 4–6 weeks. Eggs are deposited singly or in small clusters on seams, measuring about 0.5 mm and hatching in 5–10 days.
Adult females lay 1–5 eggs per day, up to 500 over a lifetime. Longevity varies with environmental factors. In stable indoor settings with regular access to hosts, adults can survive 6–12 months, occasionally exceeding a year. Without a blood source, they can endure several months in a dormant state, reducing metabolic activity to conserve energy. Males typically have shorter lifespans, often dying after a few months.
Key physiological traits influencing survival include:
- Ability to withstand low‑temperature periods by entering diapause.
- Resistance to desiccation due to a waxy cuticle.
- Rapid reproductive rate facilitated by frequent blood meals.
Understanding these characteristics assists in detection, control, and prevention strategies.