Community identification
Bed bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm long (adults), smaller for nymphs; the object in the photo matches the size and shape of an engorged or crushed bed bug remnant
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in cracks, crevices, mattresses, and furniture near sleeping areas
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous (blood-eaters), primarily feeding on human blood during the night
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive, they hide during the day and are attracted to the warmth and CO2 of a host; they undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult)
Risks & Benefits
No known disease transmission, but bites cause itching, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress; they are an expensive and difficult pest to eradicate from homes