Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Hemiptera, Cimicidae
Size
Adults are typically 4-5 mm (about the size of an apple seed).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Mostly indoor environments where humans or animals sleep or rest, such as beds, mattresses, bed frames, furniture, cracks in walls, and crevices.

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively hematophagous, meaning they feed on blood, primarily human blood.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, hiding during the day and emerging at night to feed. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. Bites often appear in lines or clusters.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include itchy red welts (like those shown in the image), allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known direct benefits to humans or the ecosystem.