Bed Bug Skeleton (Exuvia)

Natural Habitat

Typically found in human dwellings, hidden in mattress seams, cracks in furniture, behind wallpaper, and in bedding.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous (feeds exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded hosts).

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive. Bed bugs go through 5 nymphal stages, shedding their skin (molting) at each stage to grow. This image depicts one of those shed skins (cast skin). They aggregate in cracks and crevices near their host.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Bed bug bites cause itchy welts, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress/anxiety. While not proven to be major vectors of disease, infestations are difficult and expensive to eradicate. Benefits: None known.

Identified on: 3/1/2026