Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- Adults are approximately 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed); nymphs are smaller and translucent.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in human dwellings, hidden in cracks, crevices, upholstery, and especially mattresses or bed frames near their host's sleeping area.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal, emerging at night to feed. They go through a simple metamorphosis consisting of egg, five nymphal stages, and adult. They travel by crawling or hitchhiking on luggage and clothing.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy bites, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress or insomnia; they are not known vectors of disease. There are no ecological benefits to humans.