Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
Size
4 mm to 7 mm (approx. size of an apple seed)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Human dwellings, specifically inhabiting cracks and crevices, mattress seams, bed frames, and upholstered furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagous (blood-eaters), primarily feeding on human blood, though they may feed on other mammals or birds.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal; they emerge from hiding at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to progress through each growth stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, skin infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to humans.