Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Order Hemiptera; Family Cimicidae
Size
4 mm to 7 mm (about the size of an apple seed)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Dwellings where humans sleep, including mattresses, bed frames, cracks and crevices in furniture, and wall voids.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal pests that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt into each successive life stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, insomnia, and psychological distress. While they do not transmit diseases, they are considered a significant public health pest. No known ecosystem benefits in indoor environments.