Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, primarily in mattresses, bed frames, and cracks or crevices near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed 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 (egg, nymph, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known ecosystem benefits.