What does a domestic bedbug look like? - briefly
A domestic bed bug is a small, flat, oval insect about 4–5 mm long, reddish‑brown in color, whose body expands noticeably after feeding. It possesses six legs, no wings, and a concealed head that gives it a smooth, streamlined appearance.
What does a domestic bedbug look like? - in detail
The common household bed bug is a small, oval‑shaped insect. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, roughly the size of an apple seed. Their bodies are flat when unfed and become noticeably swollen after a blood meal, expanding to about 6–7 mm. The dorsal surface is matte brown, turning reddish‑brown when engorged; the ventral side is lighter, often pale yellow.
Key visual features include:
- Body shape: Broad, flattened, and egg‑shaped; no wings.
- Head: Small, concealed beneath the thorax, lacking prominent eyes.
- Antennae: Four segments, each tipped with a tiny sensory organ.
- Mouthparts: Elongated, pierce‑sucking proboscis designed for feeding on blood.
- Legs: Six, each ending in tiny claws that allow rapid movement across fabric.
- Abdomen: Segmented, with a visible line of tiny hairs (setae) along the sides.
Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller and lighter in color. First‑instar nymphs are about 1.5 mm long and appear translucent or pale yellow; each successive molt adds length and darkens the exoskeleton. By the fifth instar, nymphs approach adult size but remain slightly lighter than fully fed adults.
When fully engorged, a bed bug’s abdomen becomes a balloon‑like, bright reddish hue, making it easy to distinguish from other household pests. After feeding, the insect typically retreats to crevices in mattresses, box springs, headboards, or wall voids, where it remains hidden during daylight hours.