Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm in length (adults); smaller and translucent when nymphs.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in cracks and crevices, mattresses, bed frames, and furniture near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, secondary skin infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress; they are not known to transmit diseases to humans.