Bed Bug

Found globally in human dwellings, typically in mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, and cracks or crevices near sleeping areas.

Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans. They use a piercing-sucking mouthpart.

Mainly nocturnal; they emerge from hiding spots at night to feed. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. Females lay hundreds of eggs over a lifetime, which hatch into nymphs.

Risks include itchy, red welts (bites) that can lead to secondary infections from scratching, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress or insomnia. They do not currently have any known ecological benefits to humans.