Bug Identifier
Bed Bug (Nymph)
Community identification

Bed Bug (Nymph)

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
Size
1.5 mm to 4.5 mm (nymphs are smaller and often more translucent than adults)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagous insects, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt into the next stage.

Risks & Benefits

While not known to transmit diseases, their bites cause itching, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are considered a significant urban pest requiring professional eradication.