How many species of bed bugs are there? - briefly
Approximately one hundred species belong to the family Cimicidae, the group commonly called bed bugs. Only a few, chiefly Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, regularly infest human sleeping areas.
How many species of bed bugs are there? - in detail
The family Cimicidae, commonly known as bed bugs, comprises roughly 30 – 35 scientifically described species. Taxonomic revisions and molecular studies continue to refine this count, but current consensus places the total within this range.
Among the recognized species, the most frequently encountered in human dwellings are:
- Cimex lectularius – the common bed bug, worldwide distribution, primarily associated with human habitats.
- Cimex hemipterus – tropical bed bug, prevalent in warm regions of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
- Cimex pipistrelli – parasitizes bats, found in caves and attics where bat colonies roost.
- Leptocimex boueti – infests birds, recorded in sub‑Saharan Africa.
- Paracimex sp. – several species that specialize on rodents and other mammals.
The remaining species are generally host‑specific, targeting bats, birds, or small mammals, and are rarely encountered by humans. Their distribution spans all continents except Antarctica, reflecting the adaptability of the family to diverse ecological niches.
Recent phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers have identified cryptic lineages within C. lectularius and C. hemipterus, suggesting that the actual species diversity may be higher than currently documented. Continued sampling in under‑studied regions, especially tropical ecosystems, is expected to increase the known number of Cimicidae species.