
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (roughly the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Found globally in human dwellings, typically hiding in cracks, crevices, bed frames, mattresses, and furniture near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they emerge at night to feed and return to hiding spots during the day. They progress through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt at each stage before reaching adulthood.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and allergic reactions. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits in human environments; they are considered significant pests.