What does a bedbug look like up close? - briefly
A bedbug appears as a tiny, oval, reddish‑brown insect roughly 4–5 mm in length, with a flat dorsal surface, visible segmented antennae, and six short legs. Its body is covered in fine hairs and it lacks wings.
What does a bedbug look like up close? - in detail
A bedbug observed at magnification displays a flat, oval body measuring 4–5 mm in length and 1.5–3 mm in width. The exoskeleton is a matte, reddish‑brown hue that darkens after feeding. Segmentation is subtle; the thorax and abdomen merge into a seamless silhouette.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Head: Small, concealed beneath the pronotum, with two elongated antennae composed of five segments, each tipped with fine sensory hairs.
- Mouthparts: Piercing‑sucking proboscis (stylet) extends forward, appearing as a slender, needle‑like tube used to penetrate skin.
- Pronotum: Prominent, shield‑shaped plate behind the head, bearing a distinct pale, crescent‑shaped marking on each side.
- Legs: Six legs, each ending in a pair of tiny claws; the tibiae bear fine spines that aid in clinging to fabric.
- Abdomen: Six visible dorsal plates (tergites) with faint, parallel ridges; the posterior end tapers to a rounded tip, lacking a stinger.
When a bedbug has recently fed, its abdomen expands dramatically, turning a brighter, engorged red and reaching up to 7 mm in length. The ventral surface reveals a smooth, membranous layer covering the internal blood meal. After digestion, the color reverts to the typical brown, and the body flattens again, facilitating movement within cracks and crevices.