Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
Size
4 to 5 mm (adult size)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, specifically cracks, crevices, bed frames, and mattresses in human dwellings.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous (solely feeds on the blood of warm-blooded animals, particularly 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 bites, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are a significant household pest. No known ecological benefits in human environments.