This document summarizes the biology and behavior of bed bugs. It describes their worldwide distribution, evolution to develop insecticide resistance, identification features, traumatic mating process, egg laying, incomplete metamorphosis life cycle, optimal temperature conditions, feeding behavior, aggregation in host areas after feeding, and tendency to live together with all life stages present. The document also notes how bed bugs evolved from bat bugs and can sometimes feed on humans if bats are unavailable.

1. Bed Bug Biology
Opportunistic. Secretive. Bloodsuckers
Dr. Jody Green
Urban Entomologist
jgreen17@unl.edu

2. Worldwide distribution
 Reported in all 50 States
 1930-1980 Since 1980
 Evolved thicker, waxier exoskeleton
 Evolved faster metabolism
Insecticide Resistance
 Increased travel
 Pest control practices
 Lack of awareness
 Insecticide resistance
Why?

3. J.Green,NebraskaExtensioninLancasterCounty
Human bed bug
 Order: Hemiptera/Heteroptera
 True bug
 Piercing-sucking mouthparts
Cimex lectularius
Beak

4. Bed bug identification
 Adults 1/4 inch (5mm) long
 Oval shape
 Dorsoventrally compressed
(flattened from the top)
 reddish-brown, mahogany
J.Green,NebraskaExtensioninLancasterCounty

5. Photos:NebraskaExtensioninLancasterCounty
Bed bug identification

6. Identifying features
Vestigial
wings
Golden
hairs
3-segmented beak
4-segmented
antennae
Photos:T.Myles
1 2 3
4

7. Traumatic insemination
 Male pierces female’s abdominal wall,
inseminates into body cavity
 Adaptations in female exoskeleton
 Sperm travels to ovaries
 Sexual conflict between males and
femalesPhoto:RickardIgnell,WikimediaCommons

8. Egg laying capabilities
 Female lays eggs individually
 Glued to surfaces
 Hatch between 7-12 days
 200-500 eggs in lifespan
J.Green,NebraskaExtensioninLancasterCounty

9. Incomplete
metamorphosis
Egg → nymph → adult
~ 5-6 weeks
 Instar is a phase of development
 Smaller versions of adult
 Undergoes a molt, sheds
exoskeleton

10. Rate of growth and development
 Depends on food and temperature
 3-4 generations per year
 Lifespan 6-12 months
 Optimal conditions
70°F - 90°F
life cycle 1 month
Apple seed
Lethal Temps: 0°F for 4 days, >120°F for 30 min
J.Green,NebraskaExtensioninLancasterCounty

11. When the bug is not a bed bug
Bat bug
 May feed on humans, but prefer
bats
 Behavior differences
 Treatment differences
Eastern bat bug
JimKalisch,UNLDepartmentofEntomology

12. Bed bugs evolved from bat bugs
bat bug bed bug
Bat bugs
J.Green,NebraskaExtensioninLancasterCounty

13. Photos:WhitneyCranshaw
Blood: A necessity for survival
 Locate host by detecting:
 Carbon dioxide
 Body heat
 Human scent
 Consume 3x weight
 Engorgement 3-12 min.

14. Blood feeding behavior
 Adults feed every 3-5 days
 Exposed skin
 Inject compounds to aid in feeding
 Reaction of host
 Itchy, red bumps
 Some individuals do not react
J.Green,NebraskaExtensioninLancasterCounty

15. Post meal behavior: Rest and digest
 After blood meal
Rests up to a week
Digests blood
Molts or lays eggs
 Hitchhike on “stuff” to other areas
 Aggregate new host resting areas
J.Green,NebraskaExtensioninLancasterCounty

16. Adults and nymphs live together
 Emit strong odor
 Harborage contains:
Fecal stains
Eggs
Shed exoskeletons or skins
Live bugs
Photo:A.Taisey

17. Check bed and surrounding areas
J.Green,NebraskaExtensioninLancasterCounty

18. Infestations close to humans
Photos:NebraskaExtensioninLancasterCounty

19. Unwelcomed house guests
Photo:JimKalisch

20. Now the library is involved
Photo:JimKalisch