What is a bedbug nymph called? - briefly
A juvenile bed bug is called a nymph. Nymphs undergo five successive molts before becoming adults.
What is a bedbug nymph called? - in detail
The immature form of Cimex lectularius is termed a nymph. Nymphs differ from adults in several key aspects: they lack fully developed wings, possess softer exoskeletons, and cannot reproduce. Development proceeds through five instars, each separated by a molt (ecdysis). After each molt, the nymph increases in size and acquires additional abdominal segments and more pronounced coloration, approaching the adult phenotype.
- 1st instar: Approximately 1 mm long, translucent, unable to feed efficiently.
- 2nd instar: Slightly larger, darker coloration, begins regular blood meals.
- 3rd instar: Noticeable body segmentation, increased feeding frequency.
- 4th instar: Near‑adult size, robust exoskeleton, capable of surviving longer without a host.
- 5th instar: Final growth stage; after the last molt, the insect reaches adult morphology, including fully sclerotized cuticle and reproductive organs.
During each stage, nymphs retain the same species name; the term “nymph” alone identifies the juvenile without additional qualifiers. The only distinction among instars is the numeric order, commonly expressed as “first‑instar nymph,” “second‑instar nymph,” and so forth. This nomenclature is consistent across entomological literature and pest‑management guidelines.