Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults)
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.