Community identification
Bed Bug (Crushed)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 7 mm (if whole); this specimen is crushed and engorged with blood
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically beds, furniture, and cracks/crevices near sleeping areas
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal, emerging at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and hide in dark, secluded spots during the day.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin rashes, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While they carry pathogens, they are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known benefits.