Bug Identifier
Bed Bug (Nymph/Juvenile stage)
Community identification

Bed Bug (Nymph/Juvenile stage)

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Hemiptera: Cimicidae
Size
1.5 mm to 4.5 mm (nymphs range from translucent/cream to bright red after feeding).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in cracks and crevices, beds, mattresses, and furniture within close proximity to human sleeping areas.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and secretive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt to the next stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include skin irritation, allergic reactions to bites, and psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are significant household pests.