Bed bug (Cimex lectularius) Science Image

Ref: 12938e



Bed bug. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a bed bug, Cimex lectularius on a woven fabric. The head has a pair of compound eyes with small facets, two antennae and piercing mouthparts. It has a broad flat body devoid of wings and six walking legs. A regular diet of blood is necessary for bed bugs to reach maturity. A parasite of humans, this species feeds at night and after a blood meal the body becomes quite swollen. The bite of a bed bug produces painful swellings on the skin. Magnification: x10 at 5x7cm size.