
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adult size)
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.