Bed Bug Shed Skin (Exuvia)
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Hemiptera: Cimicidae
Size: The shed skin corresponds to the size of the nymph stage, ranging from 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm. Adult bed bugs are typically 5-7 mm long.
Natural Habitat
Found in human dwellings, particularly in and around beds, mattresses, furniture, and cracks in walls. The insect itself hides in dark, secluded areas close to its host.
Diet & Feeding
Bed bugs are hematophagous, feeding exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, with a strong preference for humans.
Behavior Patterns
Bed bugs are nocturnal, emerging at night to feed on sleeping hosts. They undergo five nymphal stages, shedding their skin (molting) after each blood meal. These shed skins, like the one pictured, are a common sign of an infestation.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Bites can cause itchy, red welts and allergic reactions in some people. Infestations can lead to anxiety, stress, and insomnia. They are not known to be significant vectors of human disease. Benefits: There are no known benefits.
Identified on: 11/16/2025