What does an adult bedbug look like? - briefly
An adult Cimex lectularius is a flat, oval insect 5–7 mm in length, reddish‑brown, with visible dark eyes and short, non‑functional wing pads. After a blood meal its abdomen expands and the color becomes a brighter, more vivid red.
What does an adult bedbug look like? - in detail
The adult bed bug, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, is a small, flattened insect measuring 4.5–5.5 mm in length and 1.5–2.5 mm in width. Its body is oval‑shaped, dorsoventrally flattened, and lacks wings, allowing it to hide in tight crevices.
Key physical traits include:
- Color: Ranges from light brown to deep mahogany; after a blood meal, the abdomen becomes engorged and reddish‑brown.
- Exoskeleton: Hard, translucent cuticle with visible punctate markings on the dorsal surface.
- Antennae: Four segmented, each bearing sensory hairs for detecting heat and carbon dioxide.
- Legs: Six slender legs, each ending in a small claw; legs are positioned laterally and aid in rapid crawling.
- Mouthparts: Elongated proboscis (rostrum) with a pair of stylets for piercing skin and sucking blood.
- Eyes: Small, oval ocelli located on the dorsal surface; vision is limited, reliance is on chemical and thermal cues.
- Sexual dimorphism: Males possess a slightly larger abdomen and visible genital capsule; females have a broader abdomen to accommodate egg production.
The abdomen expands dramatically after feeding, increasing the insect’s overall volume by up to three times. The exoskeleton remains flexible, permitting the insect to flatten further when seeking shelter. These characteristics enable the adult stage to locate hosts, feed efficiently, and survive in indoor environments.