Community identification
Bed Bug (Crushed)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), appears as a small brownish or reddish smudge when crushed after feeding.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically cracks and crevices in beds, furniture, and walls where humans sleep.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo a hemimetabolous life cycle with five nymphal stages, each requiring a blood meal to molt.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy allergic reactions, skin rashes, and psychological distress. While they do not reliably transmit diseases, they are significant domestic pests. There are no known benefits to humans.