Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), nymphs are smaller and translucent.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in bed frames, mattresses, and cracks/crevices near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagy; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include allergic reactions to bites, secondary skin infections from scratching, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans.