The ability of teneral and sclerotized adult bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) to navigate a glass surface

The ability of bed bugs to climb smooth surfaces is poorly documented.  I observed that field strain adult bed bugs were often able to scale clean glass and metal pans.  Recently molted adult bed bugs (teneral) appeared to be even more capable climbers.  Climbing abilities of sclerotized adult bed bugs, teneral adult bed bugs, and recently sclerotized adult bed bugs were assessed by recording climbing heights (minimum, average, maximum) of bugs within a glass vial.  Maximum climbing heights of teneral bed bugs were significantly different (p<.0083) compared to climbing heights of sclerotized bed bugs, while differences in average climbing heights approached significance (p=.09).  Teneral bed bugs exhibited climbing abilities similar to all other sclerotized bed bugs after 48 hours, suggesting that climbing ability decreases as sclerotization occurs.  Atomic force microscopy was conducted to examine whether this ability may be linked to molting fluid remaining on the exoskeleton, which, when combined with a more flexible cuticle, may lend an adhesive property to the surface of the exoskeleton.  Preliminary AFM results indicate that the exoskeleton of teneral bed bugs is “stickier” than sclerotized bed bugs.  These findings for both teneral and sclerotized bed bugs may have implications for laboratory safety and the design of interception devices.