Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed) for adults; nymphs are smaller and lighter in color.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymphal stages, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy bites, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits in human habitats.