Bed Bug Anatomy

1. Antenna

Bed bugs have two antennae that protrude from their heads. Each antenna is divided into four segments and is used by the bed bug to navigate its environment, find potential hosts, and sense chemical signals or pheromones.

2. Clypeus

The clypeus is a part of an insect’s exoskeleton located on the face, above the upper lip (labrum) and below the frons (forehead area). In bed bugs, it forms the front part of the head and contributes to the structure around the mouthparts.

3. Head

The head of a bed bug contains the insect’s eyes, antennae, and mouthparts. It is smaller compared to the rest of the body. The head also houses the brain and other important sensory organs.

4. Pronotum

The pronotum is the first segment of the thorax (the body region behind the head), and in bed bugs, it’s large and prominent. It’s situated just behind the head and before the wings (though bed bugs’ wings are vestigial and non-functional). The pronotum also serves to protect the head and support the attachment of the first pair of legs.

5. Abdomen

The abdomen of a bed bug contains its digestive and reproductive organs. It’s segmented and has a rounded or pointed tip, depending on the gender of the bug. After feeding, the abdomen of a bed bug can expand significantly as it fills with blood.

6. Leg

Bed bugs have six legs, each attached to a segment of the thorax. These legs are adapted for quick movement across surfaces but are not capable of jumping or flying. Bed bugs use their legs to cling onto hosts while feeding.