Where does the marble bedbug live? - briefly
The marble bedbug inhabits cracks and joints in marble, stone, and other hard‑surface flooring, favoring warm, humid areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It is typically found concealed beneath tiles or within the grout where moisture accumulates.
Where does the marble bedbug live? - in detail
The marble bedbug (Cimex marinus) inhabits coastal marine environments where it can attach to the shells and bodies of marine invertebrates. Its distribution spans temperate and tropical seas, with confirmed records from the Atlantic coast of North America, the Mediterranean basin, and the western Pacific. The species is most frequently encountered on:
- Intertidal mussels and oysters, where it exploits the host’s filter‑feeding currents.
- Subtidal kelp forests, residing among the holdfasts that provide shelter and moisture.
- Artificial structures such as piers, seawalls, and floating docks, especially in regions with high biofouling.
Microhabitat preferences include crevices with stable humidity, shaded surfaces that protect against desiccation, and areas where water flow is moderate enough to deliver prey without dislodging the insect. Seasonal activity peaks during warmer months, when host abundance increases and water temperatures rise above 15 °C. In colder periods, individuals retreat to deeper, thermally stable zones or enter a dormant state within the host’s shell.
Reproduction occurs on the same substrates, with females laying egg capsules attached to the host’s surface. The larvae develop in situ, feeding on the host’s tissue fluids until they reach maturity. This life cycle ties the species tightly to its marine hosts, limiting its range to regions where suitable host populations are established.