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
Found in human dwellings, typically in cracks and crevices, bed frames, mattresses, and furniture nearby sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to progress to each life stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. While they do not transmit diseases, they are significant domestic pests. There are no ecological benefits to humans.