Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
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.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, including mattresses, headboards, and luggage.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous (blood-feeder), primarily targeting humans but also feeding on other warm-blooded animals.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, hiding during the day and emerging at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (eggs, nymphs, and adults).

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are significant domestic pests.