Bed Bug (specifically a shed skin/casing)
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
Size: Adults are 4-5 mm long (about the size of an apple seed); this image appears to show a cast skin (exuviae) from a nymph, which can range from 1 mm to 4 mm depending on the instar stage.
Natural Habitat
Found in environments inhabited by humans and pets, primarily aggregating in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and headboards.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous (feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals), preferring humans but will feed on pets if necessary.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and cryptic, hiding during the day in tight crevices. They go through five nymphal stages, shedding their skin (molting) at each stage to grow, which leaves behind the translucent casings seen in the image.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Bed bugs cause itchy bites, allergic reactions, anxiety, and insomnia. They are a significant nuisance pest but are not known to transmit disease. Benefits: None known to humans or the domestic ecosystem.
Identified on: 2/7/2026