Community identification
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
Indoor environments, specifically cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, mattresses, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages (blood-feeders), primarily feeding on human blood but sometimes other warm-blooded animals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they use heat and carbon dioxide to locate hosts, feed for 3-10 minutes, and kemudian hide to digest and breed.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Causes itchy welts, allergic reactions, insomnia, and psychological distress. While they carry pathogens, they are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known ecosystem benefits.