Community identification
Bed bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera; Cimicidae
- Size
- Adults are about 4–7 mm long; the pictured insect appears consistent with this size range.
Natural Habitat
Indoor human dwellings, especially mattresses, bed frames, upholstery, and cracks near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on blood, usually human blood, by piercing skin with specialized mouthparts.
Behavior Patterns
Mostly nocturnal and attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. They hide in crevices during daylight, and females lay small eggs in sheltered locations.
Risks & Benefits
Bites cause itchy, sometimes persistent skin reactions but bed bugs are not established as important disease vectors. They provide little meaningful ecological benefit in homes.