
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera; Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 1mm to 7mm (nymphs are smaller and translucent, adults are larger and reddish-brown).
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in and around sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture crevices.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt at each stage. They are known for hitchhiking on luggage or clothing to spread.
Risks & Benefits
While not known to transmit diseases, their bites cause itchy welts, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress and insomnia. They offer no benefits to the ecosystem in human environments.