Bug Identifier
Bed Bug (Nymph)
Community identification

Bed Bug (Nymph)

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
Size
1.5 mm to 5 mm depending on life stage and feeding status.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, including mattresses, bed frames, and upholstered furniture.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, hiding during the day and emerging at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymphal stages, adult) and require a blood meal to molt.

Risks & Benefits

Significant household pest; bites cause itching, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but cause secondary skin infections from scratching.