Kissing bugs are typically between 0.5 to 1.25 inches (13 to 32 mm) long, with most adults ranging from 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches in length. They are roughly the size of a penny or slightly larger.
Appearance and Size Range
Adult kissing bugs vary in size depending on species and life stage, generally measuring from half an inch to over an inch long. Nymphs (immature stages) are smaller and lack the distinctive coloration of adults. Their bodies are dark brown or black, often with red, orange, or yellow markings along the edges. They have a cone-shaped head, long thin legs, and a slender beak tucked beneath the body.
Comparison to Common Objects
For reference, an adult kissing bug is about the size of a U.S. penny, which is approximately 0.75 inches in diameter, making many kissing bugs slightly longer or comparable in size. Images comparing kissing bugs to pennies confirm this relative size.
Regional Size Variations
Size ranges are consistent across sources in the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America, where these insects are commonly found. Some species in Texas and Arizona have been documented to exceed 1 inch in length [
