Bed bugs are typically reddish brown in color.

Bed bugs are typically reddish brown in color.

• A. Bright green
• B. Black
• C. Reddish brown
• D. Gray

Answer: (C)

Bed bugs in their typical state are reddish brown because of their pigmented exoskeleton and the appearance they take on after feeding on blood. Adults are about 4–5 mm long, flat and oval, and their color is the classic reddish-brown you’d expect to see on a small, blood-fed insect. Before feeding they’re usually a lighter tan-brown, and after a big meal they can look darker and more reddish. Other colors listed don’t match the common, everyday look of bed bugs, so reddish brown is the best fit for their usual appearance.

Bed bugs in their typical state are reddish brown because of their pigmented exoskeleton and the appearance they take on after feeding on blood. Adults are about 4–5 mm long, flat and oval, and their color is the classic reddish-brown you’d expect to see on a small, blood-fed insect. Before feeding they’re usually a lighter tan-brown, and after a big meal they can look darker and more reddish. Other colors listed don’t match the common, everyday look of bed bugs, so reddish brown is the best fit for their usual appearance.