What does a bedbug look like, male and female, and what are its dimensions? - briefly
Both sexes are flat, oval, reddish‑brown insects; females are slightly larger and more robust than males. Adults measure about 4–5 mm in length (females up to 5.5 mm, males around 4 mm) and 1.5–2 mm in width.
What does a bedbug look like, male and female, and what are its dimensions? - in detail
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, wingless insects with a flattened, oval body that tapers toward the rear. Their color ranges from light brown after a recent blood meal to a darker, rusty hue when unfed. The exoskeleton is smooth, lacking noticeable hair or scales, and the head is concealed beneath the pronotum, giving the insect a seamless silhouette.
Male specimens are generally slightly smaller than females. Both sexes possess a pair of elongated, needle‑like mouthparts (proboscis) used for piercing skin and feeding on blood. Males have five visible abdominal segments, while females display a broader, more rounded abdomen to accommodate egg development. The dorsal surface of the female shows a subtle swelling near the abdomen’s posterior end, corresponding to the developing ootheca.
Size measurements:
- Length: 4.5–5.5 mm (male), 5.0–6.5 mm (female)
- Width (at the widest point): 2.5–3.0 mm for both sexes
- Weight: approximately 0.5 mg (unfed) to 1.5 mg (after feeding)
When engorged, an individual can expand to about 10 mm in length and become noticeably swollen, taking on a bright red or brick‑colored appearance. The legs are short, with three segments each, ending in small claws that aid in clinging to fabric and crevices. Eyes consist of simple ocelli, providing limited vision; sensory perception relies mainly on antennae equipped with chemoreceptors. This morphology enables rapid movement through tight spaces in bedding, furniture, and wall voids.