Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed) when fully grown.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, box springs, and bed frames.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis with five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt into the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress or insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known ecological benefits for humans.