Bed Bug Nymph (Shed Skin / Exuviae)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, particularly bedrooms and sleeping areas. They hide in mattress seams, box springs, crevices in furniture, and behind baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

The insect itself feeds exclusively on blood (hematophagy), primarily human, but the object in the image is a non-living shed exoskeleton.

Behavior Patterns

Bed bugs are nocturnal and cryptic. They molt (shed their skin) five times before reaching adulthood, leaving behind these translucent, amber-colored shells (exuviae) near their harborage areas.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Bed bug infestations cause significant psychological distress, insomnia, and itchy bites that can lead to secondary skin infections. Benefits: None known for humans; they are considered a major indoor pest.

Identified on: 3/9/2026