Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1 to 7 millimeters (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, including mattresses, bed frames, and behind wallpaper.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide. After feeding, they retreat to secluded locations to digest and reproduce.
Risks & Benefits
No known ecosystem benefits. Risks include allergic reactions to bites, skin rashes, and psychological distress including anxiety and insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans.