Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in cracks, crevices, mattresses, and bed frames near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, feeding almost exclusively on human blood, though they may bite other mammals or birds.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they 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 to humans. There are no known ecosystem benefits for this species in human environments.