Bed Bug (First-instar Nymph)

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae

Size: 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm (nymphs are smaller and translucent; adults are larger and reddish-brown)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, specifically in close proximity to human sleeping areas such as mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture crevices.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagy; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. After a blood meal, they appear swollen and bright red, as seen in the image.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and potential allergic reactions; they are not known to transmit diseases but are a significant household pest.

Identified on: 1/12/2026