What are bed lice called? - briefly
The insects that infest mattresses and linens are known as bed bugs (Cimex lectularius). They belong to the family Cimicidae within the order Hemiptera.
What are bed lice called? - in detail
The insect that infests bedding and feeds on human blood is scientifically known as Cimex lectularius. In everyday language it is referred to as the “bed bug.” The term “bed bug” encompasses the species most commonly encountered in homes, hotels, and other sleeping environments.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Family: Cimicidae
- Genus: Cimex
- Species: C. lectularius (common bed bug) and C. hemipterus (tropical bed bug)
Synonyms and regional names
- Bed bug (primary English term)
- Cimex (used in scientific contexts)
- Red bug (colloquial in some regions)
- Biting bug (general descriptor)
Key characteristics
- Oval, flattened body, 4–5 mm long, reddish‑brown after feeding.
- Wingless, with piercing‑sucking mouthparts adapted for hematophagy.
- Nocturnal activity; attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat.
Life cycle
- Egg: tiny, white, deposited in cracks; hatches in 6–10 days.
- Nymph: five instars, each requiring a blood meal to molt.
- Adult: capable of reproduction after a single blood meal; females lay 1–5 eggs per day, up to 200 in a lifetime.
Distinguishing features
- Unlike lice, which are permanent parasites on hair shafts, bed bugs reside in crevices and emerge to feed.
- Lice belong to order Phthiraptera; bed bugs belong to Hemiptera.
Understanding the precise terminology—“bed bug” for Cimex lectularius—facilitates accurate communication in pest‑management literature, medical reports, and regulatory guidelines.