Community identification
Bed bug (crushed nymph)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1.5 mm to 5 mm (depending on life stage and feeding status)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous (blood-feeding) on humans and occasionally other warm-blooded animals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis with five nymphal stages that each require a blood meal to molt.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and psychological distress from infestations; they are not known to transmit diseases to humans but cause significant nuisance.