Animal Profiles
Insects

Bed Bugs

Cimex lectularius

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The common bed bug is a small wingless insect that hides in sheltered cracks near sleeping hosts. It feeds on blood and can travel between buildings in belongings or furnishings.

Common bed bug (Cimex lectularius), the representative described here.

Common bed bug (Cimex lectularius), the representative described here.

At a glance

Location
This account follows Cimex lectularius within the broader Cimex coverage of the cited CDC page. Human sleeping areas provide habitat in many parts of the world, including clean and heavily used buildings alike.
Habitat
Towns and cities
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Bed bugs usually feed at night on people or other animals.

Classification

Common name
Bed Bugs
Browse group
Insects
Scientific name or taxon
Cimex lectularius
Taxon rank
species
Order
Hemiptera
Family
Cimicidae
Genus
Cimex
Source classification
Insecta

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It has no wings.
  • It feeds on blood.
  • Its flat body fits into narrow gaps.

Habitat and range

This account follows Cimex lectularius within the broader Cimex coverage of the cited CDC page. Human sleeping areas provide habitat in many parts of the world, including clean and heavily used buildings alike.

Appearance and adaptations

A flat reddish-brown body fits into narrow gaps. Adults lack wings. Hiding places can include mattress seams, bed frames, furniture and cracks close to where hosts rest.

Diet and behaviour

Bed bugs usually feed at night on people or other animals. They can remain without a blood meal for months. Transport in luggage, clothing and furniture helps explain their spread between locations.

Sources

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