Community identification
Bed Bug (Nymph)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- Nymphs range from 1.5mm to 4.5mm depending on their developmental stage.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, and upholstered furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (5 nymphal stages) and require a blood meal to molt to the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are significant household pests.