Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Hemiptera / Cimicidae
Size
4 to 5 millimeters long (about the size of an apple seed)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, particularly dwelling areas like bedrooms, hotels, and public transportation, hiding in cracks, crevices, and mattresses.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Mainly nocturnal; they emerge at night to feed and hide during the day. They progress through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt between each stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include allergic reactions to bites, skin rashes, and psychological distress (anxiety/insomnia). They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are considered a significant public health pest. No known ecosystem benefits in human environments.