Community identification
Bed Bug (Nymph)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- Nymphs range from 1.5mm to 4.5mm in length; (adults can be up to 5mm to 7mm).
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments near human sleeping areas, residing in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, and upholstered furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous insects, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Mainly nocturnal pests that hide during the day. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt into the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include skin rashes, psychological distress, and allergic reactions to bites. They do not typically transmit diseases but are a significant pest and nuisance; they offer no benefits to the ecosystem.