Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
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).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.