Bed Bug Shell (Nymphal Cast Skin or Exuviae)
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
Size: 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm (depending on the life stage nymphal stage it was cast from)
Natural Habitat
Inhabits human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and baseboards.
Diet & Feeding
Strictly hematophagous (feeds on blood from humans or warm-blooded animals).
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs must shed their exoskeletons (molt) five times before reaching adulthood, requiring a blood meal between each molt. They are primarily nocturnal and hide in clusters during the day.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit disease, heavy infestations can lead to secondary skin infections or anemia. They provide no ecological benefit to human environments.
Identified on: 3/12/2026