Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera / Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm in length (roughly the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, predominantly in mattresses, bed frames, and crevices near human sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive. They typically emerge at night to feed and hide during the day in dark cracks. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and allergic reactions. While not known to transmit diseases, they are a significant household pest. They provide no known ecological benefits to human habitats.