Image of bed bugs

Description:

This highly-magnified, scanning electron micrograph (SEM) revealed some of the ultrastructural morphology displayed on the rostral head region of a bedbug, Cimex lectularius. Note the proximal anatomical relationships the insect’s skin piercing mouthparts it uses to obtain its blood meal, and how they join the head. For a colorized version of this image see PHIL 11738.

Clinical Features:Although bedbugs have been found naturally-infected with blood-borne pathogens, they are not effective vectors of disease. The primary medical importance is inflammation associated with their bites (due to allergic reactions to components in their saliva).
Created: 2009