Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera; Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 mm to 7 mm (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, primarily in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas (mattresses, bed frames, and headboards).
Diet & Feeding
Sanguivorous; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they are most active during the night and hide during the day. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal between each molt.
Risks & Benefits
They do not transmit diseases, but their bites can cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, and psychological distress. They have no known benefits to the ecosystem.