Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Hemiptera: Cimicidae

Size: 4 to 5 mm (adults)

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas like mattresses and bed frames

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagy (feeds exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals)

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal; they emerge at night to feed and hide during the day. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt at each stage.

Risks & Benefits

Direct risks include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and psychological distress from infestations; they are not known vectors of disease. No ecosystem benefits in human habitats.

Identified on: 6/4/2026