Bed Bug

Found globally in close proximity to human sleeping areas, including mattresses, bed frames, floorboards, and cracks or crevices.

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt at each stage.

Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. While they do not reliably transmit diseases to humans, they are a significant pest of public health importance. There are no known ecological benefits.