What does a bedbug shell look like? - briefly
The bedbug’s exoskeleton is a flat, oval, reddish‑brown shell about 4–5 mm long, with a segmented body, visible head, antennae and six legs. It looks smooth and glossy, without distinct markings.
What does a bedbug shell look like? - in detail
A bed bug’s exoskeleton is a flattened, oval-shaped structure measuring approximately 4–5 mm in length and 2–3 mm in width when fully grown. The outer surface is smooth, matte, and brown‑reddish, ranging from light tan in newly molted individuals to deep rust‑brown after feeding. The dorsal side (back) displays a distinct, slightly raised ridge called the “pronotum,” which is broader than the head and bears a pair of tiny, dark spots that correspond to the compound eyes. Along the lateral margins, fine, hair‑like sensory setae are visible, giving the silhouette a subtly fuzzy outline. The ventral side (underside) is lighter in color, often pale yellow or ivory, and shows the segmented abdomen with subtle, overlapping plates (tergites) that allow flexibility during movement. The abdomen terminates in a pointed, tapered rear end where the ovoid terminal plates (cerci) are located, aiding in balance. When a bed bug molts, each successive exoskeleton becomes progressively larger and darker, reflecting the insect’s growth stages.