Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Found globally in close proximity to human dwellings, typically nesting in mattress seams, bed frames, furniture, and wall cracks.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They undergo a hemimetabolous life cycle (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt into the next instar. They leave behind dark fecal spotting and blood stains after crushing.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. While they are not known biological vectors of disease under natural conditions, infestations are extremely difficult to eradicate and can cause significant financial burden. There are no known benefits to humans or the ecosystem.