Egg surface morphology and morphometrics of bed bug (Cimex lectularius) eggs

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to distinguish morphological features of bed bug, Cimex lectularius, eggs. Efforts were made to distinguish morphological and morphometric features of eggs from a susceptible, laboratory strain (Harlan) and two pyrethroid susceptible strains (Richmond and Royal oaks) collected in the field.  The eggs are cigar shaped and tapered on both the anterior and posterior portions. The operculum is covered with polygonal structures and is located on the anterior portion of the egg shell.  The outer chorion is reticulated, consisting of many spine-like projections. No significant differences were found among strains in respect to length and width of the eggs. Studying the morphological features of eggs from both susceptible and non-susceptible strains may be helpful in understanding beg bug egg biology.