Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 7 mm (approximately the size of an apple seed) when fully grown.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in bed frames, mattresses, cracks, and crevices near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Strictly hematophagous, meaning 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 undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases but are significant household pests. There are no known ecological benefits for humans.