Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
Size
Adults are approximately 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide in human dwellings, typically nesting in cracks of mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and walls.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Mainly nocturnal; they emerge from hiding at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive for months without a meal.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy skin welts (as shown in the image), allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are considered a significant household pest and public health nuisance.