Common Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
- Superfamily: Cimicoidea
- Family: Cimicidae
- Subfamily: Cimicinae
- Genus: Cimex
- Species: lectularius
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cimex lectularius: //ˈsiːmɛks lɛkˌtuːˈlæriəs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Cimex lectularius, commonly known as the bed bug, is a blood-feeding ectoparasite primarily infesting humans. Known for its nuisance qualities and resurgence in various environments across the globe, it poses minimal health risks despite its association with various pathogens.
Physical Characteristics
5-9.5 mm in length; C. hemipterus has less expanded prothorax margins that are less flattened; pronounced pronotal fringe hairs relative to the width of the eye.
Identification Tips
Distinguishable from C. hemipterus by prothorax details and size. Adult bed bugs have a flat, oval shape, and are typically reddish-brown in color.
Habitat
Found in areas settled by humans; common in homes, hotels, hospitals, and various transportation settings.
Distribution
Cosmopolitan; found worldwide, especially in human-occupied regions.
Diet
Obligate blood feeders; primarily feeds on human blood, but can also feed on birds and bats.
Life Cycle
Includes five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal before each molt. Females can lay 2-3 eggs per day, leading to hundreds of offspring under optimal conditions. Life cycle occurs rapidly at warmer temperatures.
Reproduction
Mating involves traumatic insemination; the male penetrates the female’s abdominal wall to transfer sperm.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as a significant nuisance pest; their presence can impact human habitation and mental health.
Economic Impact
Considered a major nuisance pest leading to economic costs in pest control and loss of property value.
Health Concerns
Associated with skin manifestations from bites; potential carrier of various pathogens, but no proven capability to transmit diseases to humans.
Collecting Methods
- Visual inspection for presence of adults or eggs in cracks and crevices.
- Use of pheromone traps to detect infestations.
Preservation Methods
- Preservation in alcohol for specimens.
- Freezing specimens to halt degradation.
Evolution
Evolved resistance to certain insecticides has been observed, suggesting ongoing adaptation.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often considered a dangerous vector of disease, though studies have not substantiated this notion.
Tags
- Cimex lectularius
- bed bug
- ectoparasite
- nuisance pest
- blood feeder