Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
Size
1 to 7 millimeters; adults are about the size of an apple seed.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas, such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

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.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy allergic reactions, skin rashes, and psychological distress/insomnia. While they do not transmit pathogens, infestations are difficult to eradicate and costly to treat. There are no known ecosystem benefits.