
Community identification
Bed Bug (Nymph/Immature stage)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- Nymphs are 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm; adults reach about 5 to 7 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, primarily in cracks and crevices of beds, furniture, and luggage near human sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt into the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
While not known to transmit diseases, their bites cause itching, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are a significant household pest and provide no known benefits to human ecosystems.