Bed Bug
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
Size: 4 to 5 mm in length (roughly the size of an apple seed)

Natural Habitat
Found globally within human dwellings, particularly in cracks, crevices, mattresses, and bed frames near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Mainly nocturnal; they emerge at night to feed and hide during the day. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt at each stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy bites, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While they carry pathogens, they are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known ecological benefits.
Identified on: 5/15/2026