Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4–5 mm (adults), roughly the size and shape of an apple seed when fed.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, primarily found in cracks and crevices, bed frames, mattresses, and furniture near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous (blood-eaters), primarily feeding on human blood during the night.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and are attracted to the carbon dioxide and warmth produced by sleeping hosts. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. While they do not transmit diseases, heavy infestations can lead to secondary skin infections or anemia. They provide no ecosystem benefits to human environments.