Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera / Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (roughly the size of an apple seed) when fully grown.
Natural Habitat
Found globally in human dwellings, particularly in cracks, crevices, mattresses, and bed frames near sleeping hosts.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous (blood-eaters), primarily feeding on human blood during the night.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal, elusive, and hitchhikes on luggage or clothing to spread. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis and can survive several months without a meal.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy bites and potential allergic reactions; they cause significant psychological distress and are difficult to eradicate. They provide no known ecosystem benefits in human environments.