Community identification
Common Bed Bug (Egg)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- Approximately 1 mm in length (eggs); adults grow to 4–5 mm.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture near human sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Eggs are sticky and laid in clusters. They hatch in about 6–10 days. Nymphs require a blood meal to progress through each of their five molting stages. They are primarily nocturnal and hide during the day.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, insomnia, and psychological distress. While they do not transmit diseases, they are a significant household pest. There are no ecological benefits to humans.