Bug Identifier
Bed Bug (Nymph/Immature stage)
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.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.