
Community identification
Bed bug egg case / nymph
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- Nymphs start around 1.5 mm; adults reach 4 to 5 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, primarily cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and baseboards.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo hemi-metabolous development, requiring a blood meal to molt at each stage.
Risks & Benefits
No known ecosystem benefits. Risks include itchy bites, allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress or insomnia.