Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera; Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 mm to 7 mm (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in bed frames, mattresses, cracks, and crevices near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt into each successive stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known benefits to the ecosystem.