What are stinky bedbugs called?

What are stinky bedbugs called? - briefly

The odor‑producing insects are simply called bed bugs, members of the genus Cimex. No distinct common name exists for a “stinky” variant.

What are stinky bedbugs called? - in detail

The insects that emit a noticeable, unpleasant odor when disturbed are generally referred to as “stink bugs.” This common name belongs to members of the family Pentatomidae, which are unrelated to true bed bugs. True bed bugs belong to the genus Cimex, with the most widespread species being Cimex lectularius (the common bed bug) and Cimex hemipterus (the tropical bed bug). Both species release a defensive scent composed mainly of aldehydes and ketones, often described as musty, sweet, or coriander‑like. The odor serves to deter predators and signal distress.

Key points:

• Taxonomic classification

  • Family Pentatomidae → “stink bugs” (e.g., Halyomorpha halys)
  • Family Cimicidae → “bed bugs” (Cimex lectularius, Cimex hemipterus)

• Defensive chemistry

  • Primary compounds: trans‑2‑hexenal, trans‑2‑octenal, and 2‑octanone
  • Concentration increases when the insect is crushed or threatened

• Common vernacular

  • “Stink bug” is the colloquial label for odor‑producing Pentatomidae
  • Bed bugs are sometimes nicknamed “the bedroom stink bug” because of their scent, but the scientific name remains Cimex spp.

Thus, the proper term for odor‑emitting bed bugs is not a distinct species name; they are simply Cimex species that possess a defensive odor, while the phrase “stink bug” correctly applies to a separate group of insects.