Community identification
Bed Bug (nymph/juvenile)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm (juveniles); up to 7 mm (adults)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture crevices
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagy (blood-feeding), primarily on humans but also other mammals and birds
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they undergo five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to progress in each stage and to reproduce
Risks & Benefits
No known benefits; risks include skin rashes, psychological distress, and allergic reactions to bites, though they are not known vectors of infectious diseases