Bed Bug Nymph
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
Size: 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm (immature stages vary by instar)

Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically cracks, crevices, furniture, mattresses, and bedding near human sleep areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous (feeds exclusively on the blood of vertebrates, primarily humans).
Behavior Patterns
Thigmotactic (prefers tight spaces) and primarily nocturnal. They undergo five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt into the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While they carry pathogens, they are not known vectors of disease in humans. No known ecological benefits in domestic settings.
Identified on: 1/8/2026