What is the life cycle of bedbugs? - briefly
Bedbugs hatch from eggs deposited in crevices, then pass through five nymphal stages, each requiring a blood meal before molting. After the fifth molt they become mature, reproductive adults that can survive several months and continuously lay new eggs under suitable conditions.
What is the life cycle of bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) develop through a series of five distinct stages: egg, five nymphal instars, and adult. Each stage has specific biological characteristics and time requirements.
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Egg – Females deposit 1–5 eggs per day, attaching them to crevices near a host’s resting area. Eggs are oval, about 1 mm long, and hatch in 6–10 days under optimal temperature (25–30 °C) and humidity (70–80 %).
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First instar nymph – Newly emerged nymphs are pale and lack fully developed wings. They must obtain a blood meal within 3–5 days to molt; otherwise, they may die from starvation.
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Second instar nymph – After the first molt, the insect enlarges and darkens. It requires another blood meal within 5–7 days before molting again.
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Third instar nymph – Growth continues; the nymph can survive longer between meals, up to 10 days, but still needs a blood feed to progress.
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Fourth instar nymph – The bug reaches about 4 mm in length. It can endure up to 14 days without feeding, yet a successful blood meal triggers the final molt.
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Fifth instar nymph – This stage resembles an adult but remains unable to reproduce. A blood meal is still necessary; after feeding, the insect molts into a mature adult.
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Adult – Fully wingless, reddish‑brown, and approximately 5 mm long. Adults can survive several months without feeding, especially in cooler environments. Reproduction begins after a single blood meal; females lay eggs continuously for the duration of their lifespan, which may extend up to a year under favorable conditions.
The entire development from egg to fertile adult typically requires 4–6 weeks, depending on temperature, humidity, and host availability. Warmer, more humid settings accelerate development, while cooler, drier conditions prolong each stage and may increase mortality. Adult bedbugs can endure prolonged periods without a blood source, enabling populations to persist in infested dwellings despite intermittent host contact.