Bug Identifier
Bed bug egg case / nymph
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.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.