What does a green bed bug look like? - briefly
A green‑colored Cimex lectularius has the standard flattened, oval body of a bed bug, but its exoskeleton shows a metallic olive or bright emerald hue, with the usual six legs and antennae. The coloration stems from a rare genetic mutation and does not change the insect’s typical 4–5 mm length.
What does a green bed bug look like? - in detail
A green‑tinged bed bug measures roughly 4–5 mm in length, with a flattened, oval body that tapers slightly toward the rear. The exoskeleton is semi‑transparent, allowing underlying hemolymph to give a faint green hue when the insect is alive or freshly molted. The dorsal surface appears matte, lacking the glossy sheen typical of the common reddish‑brown form. Antennae consist of five segments, each slender and pale, and the legs are long, thin, and similarly pale‑green. The proboscis (rostrum) extends forward and is a lighter, almost colorless shade, contrasting with the darker abdomen.
Key visual characteristics:
- Size: 4–5 mm, comparable to a small apple seed.
- Shape: Dorsoventrally flattened, oval, with a slightly pointed posterior.
- Coloration: Pale to medium green, sometimes with a faint iridescent sheen; no distinct brown or reddish markings.
- Eyes: Small, dark, positioned laterally on the head.
- Antennae: Five‑segmented, light‑colored, each segment clearly defined.
- Legs: Six legs, each with three tarsal segments, pale‑green and slender.
- Wings: Absent; the insect is wingless throughout its life cycle.
- Abdomen: Segmented, uniformly green, lacking the typical dark stripes or spots seen in the standard species.
The green coloration is not a stable genetic trait in most populations. It often results from:
- Mold or fungal infection that infiltrates the cuticle, altering perceived color.
- Environmental lighting that emphasizes a greenish tint in the semi‑transparent cuticle.
- Recent blood meals that can cause a temporary color shift as the insect digests the blood.
During molting, the exoskeleton may appear brighter green before hardening to a more muted tone. Nymphal stages exhibit the same hue but are smaller and lack fully developed wing pads, which remain absent in all instars. Adult females may appear slightly larger and darker at the abdomen’s posterior due to egg development.
Overall, a greenish bed bug can be identified by its size, flattened oval body, uniform pale‑green coloration, and the absence of characteristic brown markings, while recognizing that the hue is often a transient or environmentally induced feature rather than a permanent species trait.