
Community identification
Bed Bug (Nymph)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm (nymph stages); adults can reach up to 5-7 mm
Natural Habitat
Cracks and crevices in human dwellings, typically near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and upholstered furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagy (feeds 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 (5 nymphal stages) and require a blood meal to molt to the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
No known ecosystem benefits. Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, insomnia, and psychological distress. While they carry pathogens, they are not currently known to transmit diseases to humans.