What does molting look like in bed bugs? - briefly
During ecdysis a bed bug discards its old exoskeleton, producing a translucent, empty shell that typically remains attached to the surface. The nymph emerges within minutes, appearing larger and softer‑bodied than before.
What does molting look like in bed bugs? - in detail
Molting in Cimex lectularius occurs in a series of clearly observable stages. The nymph, which is soft and pale, attaches to a surface and expands its body by ingesting water and air. The cuticle swells, creating a bulging silhouette that distinguishes the pre‑molt phase from normal activity.
During ecdysis the nymph produces a thin, transparent sheath that separates from the old exoskeleton. The old cuticle lifts away from the abdomen and thorax, often leaving a faint outline of the previous shape. The emerging insect appears slightly larger, with a glossy, moist surface that hardens within a few minutes as the new cuticle sclerotizes.
Key visual cues include:
- Color change – the freshly emerged nymph is lighter, almost translucent, compared with the darker, fully sclerotized adult.
- Size increase – each molt adds roughly 10‑15 % to body length and width.
- Movement pattern – the insect remains motionless for several minutes while the new cuticle cures, then resumes rapid crawling.
- Sheath remnants – the discarded exoskeleton may be found nearby, often curled and empty.
After hardening, the nymph resumes feeding and will repeat the process five more times before reaching adulthood. Each successive molt displays a progressively darker pigmentation and a more robust exoskeleton, culminating in the fully hardened adult form.