The bed bug Exoskeleton is composed of a cuticle and plates called sclerites. The cuticle is tough, flexible, hair-like and functions to protect the nervous system and internal organs from dry conditions. Bed bug exoskeletons are found on almost every part of the body. These defensive structures are made from layers of proteins called chitin. Chitin is a long chain of glucose molecules with residues attached and allows for flexibility in parts of the exoskeleton where it exists in multiple layers. The Bed Bug Exoskeleton is a thin, brown exoskeleton that covers the entire body of the bed bug. When these bugs molt, they shed their exoskeletons and start growing into a larger size. This is an important part of their life cycle, as it makes it possible for them to grow in size over time. Bed bug exoskeletons are composed of hard plates on the surface and that characteristic fringe. Under each plate on both the head region and pronotum, there is a set of projections called trijugid processes that cover the pits of its tube-like mouthparts.Bed bug exoskeletons are created by molting (shedding a layer of skin). These cast off skins, or exoskeletons, are very hard and become what we call relics. The exoskeleton is broken down to where it’s only the flat edge of the exoskeleton that is left. Using magnification you can see lots of these flat pieces.

Bed Bug Exoskeletons

Bed bugs shed their chitin exoskeletons during the molting process to grow.

Bed bugs must shed their exoskeletons to grow and develop. They do this through a process called molting, which involves the breakdown of their old chitinous exoskeleton, followed by the formation of a new one.

It is believed that bed bugs have five developmental stages before reaching maturity: egg, larva, nymph (juvenile), adult male and adult female. The first four stages pass through five instars before adulthood; however, only three molts occur between each instar in nymphs and adults because they are larger than other life stages. When an adult reaches full size (like at adulthood), it will not molt again unless there is damage to its body or an environmental factor causes stress on it—in which case it may still molt but only once every six months or so.

As the bed bug grows larger it must shed its chitinous exoskeleton to make room for its new size.

Another important function of the exoskeleton is molting, which is a process in which the insect sheds its exoskeleton to make room for its new size. Molting happens about every 10 days and can be very stressful on bed bugs because they are exposed to predators and parasites. Bed bug molts are often mistaken for eggs, but if you look closely you’ll see that they have six legs, while eggs do not.

Bed bug exoskeletons are made of chitin, a material also found in other arthropod exoskeletons such as those of insects or crustaceans (lobsters).

The bed bug will have to get rid of the old cuticle, in order to make room for a new one.

• The bed bug must get rid of the old cuticle, in order to make room for a new one.
• The exoskeleton is made of chitin and it’s the bed bug’s shell.
• Even though it looks like armor, its purpose is not to protect the insect from predators or other dangers. It does help keep their skin from drying out too much, but that’s about it!

Before it molts the bed bug stops eating, since it is not able to expand its stomach any further.

Before it molts the bed bug stops eating, since it is not able to expand its stomach any further. They will also stop feeding while they are molting because they need to focus on that part of the process. Once they are done moulting and have shed their exoskeleton, they turn back into their normal selves and start eating again.

After the bed bug sheds its exoskeleton it may appear light tan or yellow before turning its normal reddish-brown color.

After the bed bug sheds its exoskeleton, it may appear light tan or yellow before turning its normal reddish-brown color.

This is because the bed bug’s exoskeleton is transparent when it first hardens.

Bed Bug Exoskeletons

The exoskeletons of bed bugs are shed as they grow, and they will do so multiple times throughout their life. Bed bugs that have just molted will be white and soft, like the image above. This is the most vulnerable period in a bed bug’s life because it can’t move around or hunt for blood until its new exoskeleton hardens.

One way to confirm that you have an infestation is to look for tiny brown spots on sheets and other items in your bedroom; these are old exoskeletons that have been shed by feeding nymphs or adults.