What is a bedbug in pictures? - briefly
A bedbug is a tiny, wingless insect about 4–5 mm long with a flat, oval, reddish‑brown body and white eggs that are often visible on fabric. Images usually display the insect after a blood meal, appearing engorged and darker, or show the small dark fecal spots it leaves on sheets.
What is a bedbug in pictures? - in detail
A bedbug is a small, wingless insect that feeds on the blood of humans and animals. In photographs the adult measures 4–5 mm long, about the size of an apple seed, with a flat, oval body and a reddish‑brown color that becomes darker after feeding. The head is concealed beneath the thorax, and the antennae consist of six segments that are visible as thin, light‑colored lines.
The visual stages of development are distinct:
- Egg: Tiny, white, oval shapes attached to seams, mattress folds, or fabric fibers. Each egg is approximately 0.5 mm in length and often clustered in groups of 10–30.
- Nymph (five instars): Successive growth phases appear as progressively larger, lighter‑brown insects. Early instars are translucent with faint markings, while later ones show the characteristic flat, oval silhouette.
- Adult: Fully formed, reddish‑brown, with a smooth dorsal surface. The abdomen expands after a blood meal, giving the insect a swollen appearance.
Key identification markers observable in images include:
- A flattened, elongated body that can be pressed flat against surfaces.
- Short, hair‑like legs emerging from the thorax, each ending in a claw.
- No wings or halteres, distinguishing it from other hematophagous insects.
- A “c‑shaped” posture when the insect is disturbed, with the head tucked under the thorax.
Photographic evidence often shows bedbugs in the following locations:
- Mattress seams, box‑spring crevices, and headboard joints.
- Upholstered furniture, especially under cushions or in stitching.
- Wall cracks, baseboard moldings, and behind picture frames where they can hide during daylight.
Close‑up macro images reveal the insect’s dorsal plate (pronotum) with fine punctate markings and a pair of tiny, dark eyes positioned near the front of the head. The ventral side displays a pair of elongated, needle‑like mouthparts designed for piercing skin.
Understanding these visual characteristics enables accurate detection and facilitates targeted pest‑management strategies.