Eastern Bat Bug

Cimex adjunctus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
Superfamily: Cimicoidea
Family: Cimicidae
Subfamily: Cimicinae
Genus: Cimex
Species: adjunctus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cimex adjunctus: //ˈsiː.mɛks ædˈdʒʌŋk.təs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Summary

Cimex adjunctus, also known as the Eastern Bat Bug, is an ectoparasite that primarily infests bat colonies but can occasionally bite humans if populations become large in attics of buildings.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are approximately 6 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Look for small, flat, reddish-brown insects that may be confused with bed bugs.

Habitat

Cimex adjunctus is often found in the attics of buildings where bat populations roost.

Distribution

Primarily found in North America from Florida to Manitoba and Texas.

Diet

Cimex adjunctus feeds on the blood of insectivorous bats, particularly Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat).

Ecosystem Role

As ectoparasites, they play a role in the ecology of bat populations and could influence the health of bat colonies.

Health Concerns

Large infestations can lead to bites on humans during the night when they move from bat roosts to occupied rooms.

Collecting Methods

Trapping near bat roosting sites
Visual inspection in potential habitats

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation
Freezing

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for bed bugs; however, they primarily feed on bats rather than humans.