Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a bed bug (Cimex lectularius). The mouthpart (purple) is shaped into an elongated proboscis. When the bug is ready to feed, the proboscis is extended forward and the stylet penetrates the skin of the host. The stylet comprises a food channel and a salivary channel. Saliva, containing anticoagulants and anaesthetic substances is injected into the host via the salivary channel. Host blood is ingested via the food channel. Adult bed bugs live 6-12 months and a female bed bug may produce several hundred offspring during its lifetime.