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 sleeping areas, mattresses, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive months without a blood meal.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and allergic reactions. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known ecological benefits for these indoor pests.