Bed Bugs

Exhibit of the Month 5 / 2024

Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius)

Among the species we can find in our homes are also common bed bugs. Despite the fact that they primarily evoke disgust in us, they are a very interesting species of bug with a remarkable life cycle. They can survive for long weeks without food and are very good at hiding in apartments.

Among the species we can find in our homes are also common bed bugs. Despite the fact that they primarily evoke disgust in us, they are a very interesting species of bug with a remarkable life cycle. They can survive for long weeks without food and are very good at hiding in apartments.

Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius) belong to the family of bugs and are part of the order Hemiptera, just like aphids, scale insects, or cicadas. They are a cosmopolitan species, which means they can be found all over the world. Adult bed bugs grow to about 4 to 5 millimeters in size and primarily feed on human blood. However, they will also feed on dog, cat, or bird blood. They come out to hunt at night, and feeding lasts only a few minutes. Interestingly, they can live up to one and a half years, which is not very common for insects. Moreover, they can go for long months without food, waiting for the right moment to feed well. From hatching from an egg to becoming a reproducing adult, a bed bug only needs to feed well about six times. Another interesting fact is that bed bugs can locate a human from about 1.5 meters away. Thanks to their flat bodies, they can hide in the smallest cracks, making them very difficult to detect.

Text and photo: Pavel Krásenský, entomologist OMGM