Community identification
Bed Bug (Nymph)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm (nymphs are smaller and lighter in color)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas, mattresses, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, feeding exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis with five nymphal stages, each requiring a blood meal to molt.
Risks & Benefits
They are a significant pest. While not known to transmit diseases, their bites cause itching, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They have no known benefits to the human ecosystem.