Bed bug

Found globally in human dwellings, typically nesting in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, and bed frames near sleeping areas.

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

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt and reproduce.

Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, insomnia, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases to humans, infestations are difficult and expensive to eradicate. There are no known ecological benefits to their presence in human environments.