Community identification
Common Bed Bug (Nymph/Egg remains)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera / Cimicidae
- Size
- 1mm to 7mm (Nymphs are smaller and translucent/yellowish, like the specimen in the image).
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, bed frames, and upholstered furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt between each stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, insomnia, and anxiety. While not known to transmit diseases, they are significant household pests that require professional extermination. There are no ecological benefits to humans.