What does a bedbug look like in a photo and what are its dimensions? - briefly
A bedbug appears as a flat, oval, reddish‑brown insect with a pointed head and visible antennae. Adults measure roughly 4–5 mm long and 1.5–3 mm wide.
What does a bedbug look like in a photo and what are its dimensions? - in detail
A bed bug presents as a flat, oval‑shaped insect with a reddish‑brown hue that deepens after feeding. The head is concealed beneath the thorax, and the six legs extend from the thoracic segments, each ending in a small claw. Antennae are slender, typically four segments long, and protrude from the front of the body. The abdomen shows faint, pale bands in unfed specimens, which become more pronounced after a blood meal.
In photographs, a well‑focused macro image reveals the glossy exoskeleton and the distinct segmentation of the thorax and abdomen. Under natural lighting, the insect’s body appears matte, while flash illumination accentuates the reflective cuticle. Side‑view shots display the dorsoventral flattening, whereas top‑down images highlight the symmetrical outline and the position of the legs and antennae.
Typical size measurements for adult bed bugs are:
- Length: 4.5–5.5 mm (approximately 0.18–0.22 in)
- Width (at the broadest point): 2.5–3.0 mm (about 0.10–0.12 in)
- Weight: 0.5–1.0 mg per individual
Nymphs progress through five instars, each increasing roughly 0.5 mm in length per molt, reaching adult dimensions after the final stage. The size range distinguishes bed bugs from similar pests such as carpet beetles (larger, more rounded) and booklice (smaller, lighter‑colored).