Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
Size
1mm to 7mm (adults are generally 4-5mm)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, specifically in proximity to where humans sleep, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and cracks or crevices in furniture.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis with five nymphal stages, each requiring a blood meal to molt.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and potential allergic reactions. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are considered a significant public health pest.