Cimex lectularius
![](https://parasiteguide.libbymitchell.dcreate.domains/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Habitus-of-C-lectularius-left-and-C-hemipterus-right.png)
Morphological Characteristics
This is a flattened insect that is about 4-5 mm long. They have long antennas.
Identification Methods
Identification is achieved when adult bed bugs are collected in the area near where the host was bitten. These bugs also give off a distinctive odor so this also helps in identification.
LIFE CYCLE
- Female bed bugs lay about 5 eggs daily during adult life in a sheltered location in a person’s bed or mattress
- Eggs hatch within a few days into nymphs. These take a blood meal in order to molt to the next 5 nymphal stages, which also require blood meals to reach the next stage
- Adults mate off of the host and live for 6-12 months
HOST INFORMATION
- Is a human parasite
- Usually are transported to new places via clothing, luggage, or furniture when people travel
- Are found across the globe
- They do not live on humans, so contact with an infected person will not cause them to spread
- Infestations are treated with insecticide spray
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
Distribution occurs worldwide, but these generally live in larger cities.
SOURCES
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/biology.html
https://www.terminix.com/blog/bug-facts/are-bed-bugs-contagious/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cimex-hemipterus