Community identification
Bed Bug (Nymph)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm (for nymphs, depending on developmental stage)
Natural Habitat
Found in human dwellings, typically in cracks and crevices of beds, mattresses, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal, hiding during the day and emerging at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt into the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include skin rashes, psychological distress, and allergic reactions to bites. They are not known to transmit diseases but are significant domestic pests. No known ecosystem benefits in human environments.