Cimex lectularius
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Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, 1758 - (common bed bug)
The bed bug attacks humans, poultry and other mammals. Although it is an ancient pest with a world-wide distribution, it has become more common in recent years, possibly as a result of the development of pesticide resistance and increased human travel. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases but cause skin irritations.
Infestations in houses can often be traced to the transport of clothes, luggage or furniture. The bugs might also arrive with pets or from neighbouring buildings. Control currently involves mainly the use of pyrethroid insecticides, sometimes mixed with other types of pesticides.
| Vernacular names | |
|---|---|
| • Deutsch: | Bettwanze |
| • English: | common bed bug |
| • Español: | chinche de cama |
| • Français: | punaise des lits |
The adult bug is around 5 mm long and reddish brown. It can survive for more than a year, including longer periods of non-feeding. The development from egg, through 5 nymphal stages, to mature adult lasts around 2 months. Each nymphal stage requires a blood meal before molting.
For details see the respective page in Wikipedia.
- Other images of Cimex lectularius (Wikimedia Commons and IPM Images - click to enlarge)
adult
SEM
feeding
symptoms of bites
eggs and hatching nymphs
