Common Bed Bug

Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture.

Obligate hematophages (blood-feeders), primarily feeding on human blood but will also bite other warm-blooded animals.

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt into each successive stage.

Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and allergic reactions. While not known to transmit diseases to humans, they are a significant pest. There are no known ecosystem benefits provided by these parasites in human environments.