Types of Bed Bugs
Types of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. They are reddish-brown in color, wingless, and range from 1mm to 7mm in size. They can live several months without a blood meal.
Bed bugs have a parasitic lifestyle and feed on blood which is characteristic of both adult sexes as well as the larval stage. They hide in wall crevices, under wallpaper, in furniture grooves, books, clothes, beds, electronics, in darkened and warm places, and they tend to feed exclusively on humans.
The average lifespan of bed bugs is one year, and in the absence of food, they may go into a state similar to anabiosis, in which they remain viable for more than one year.
Cimex lectularius
Also known as the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius is the most widely recognized species of this family. It’s known for its resilience and adaptability, able to live for several months without feeding.
Its primary food source is human blood, but it can also feed on other warm-blooded animals. While they don’t transmit diseases, their bites can cause itching and allergic reactions. They tend to hide in cracks and crevices during the day, coming out at night to feed.
Cimex hemipterus
Also known as the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius is the most widely recognized species of this family. It’s known for its resilience and adaptability, able to live for several months without feeding.
Its primary food source is human blood, but it can also feed on other warm-blooded animals. While they don’t transmit diseases, their bites can cause itching and allergic reactions. They tend to hide in cracks and crevices during the day, coming out at night to feed.
Leptocimex boueti
Leptocimex boueti, or the bat bug, is typically found in Africa. This species primarily feeds on bats, but it can switch to human hosts if necessary.
While its preferred habitat is bat roosts, in the absence of bats, it can infest human dwellings. Bites from this species can cause similar reactions to those of common bed bugs.
Cimex pilosellus
Cimex pilosellus, commonly known as the swallow bug, is closely associated with bird nests, particularly those of swallows and martins.
Although they don’t typically infest human homes, they can bite humans, especially if their primary hosts are not available. Their bites can cause skin irritation and discomfort.
Cimex adjunctus
Cimex adjunctus, or the bat bug, is native to North America and is closely related to Cimex lectularius.
This species primarily feeds on birds, particularly those that roost or nest in structures, such as pigeons or chickens.
Similar to other bed bug species, if their primary food source is not available, they can bite humans, but this is less common.
