Community identification
Human Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed
Natural Habitat
Found in human dwellings, typically nesting in mattresses, bed frames, upholstery, and wall crevices
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous; feeds exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis with five nymphal stages that each require a blood meal to molt
Risks & Benefits
Risks include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While they carry pathogens, they are not known to transmit diseases to humans. They provide no significant ecological benefit in human environments