Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera; Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 1 to 7 millimeters in length, depending on life stage and feeding status.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, primarily in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas (mattresses, bed frames, and furniture).
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on animal blood, primarily from humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites; they use heat and carbon dioxide to locate hosts, feed for 3-10 minutes, and then retreat to hide. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress (anxiety/insomnia). They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits in a domestic human setting.