Bed Bug (Cast Skin/Exuvia)

Found almost exclusively in human dwellings, typically in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas, specifically mattress seams, box springs, headboards, and behind wallpaper.

Hematophagous (feed exclusively on blood), preferring human hosts but occasionally feeding on other warm-blooded animals like poultry or pets.

Nocturnal and cryptic; they hide during the day in tight crevices. Nymphs molt (shed their skin) 5 times before reaching adulthood, leaving behind the translucent amber-colored skins shown in the image.

Risks: Their bites cause itchy red welts, anxiety, and insomnia. They are not known to transmit disease to humans but are major nuisance pests that reproduce rapidly. Benefits: None known.