Virtual Exhibit on Canada´s Biodiversity

	Habitat Adults: terrestrial Immatures: terrestrial Feeding Habits Adults: predaceous Immatures: predaceous Size: 3 to 6 mm Flight : unknown North American Species: 4 in Canada	Hemiptera Cimicidae Bed bugs Front Wings: absent Hind Wings: absent Mouthparts: sucking Antenna Length: shorter than body Antenna Shape: straight Front Legs: unmodified Hind Legs: unmodified Special Characteristics: Bed bugs are flat, broadly oval, wingless bugs. They are pale yellowish or reddish-brown in colour.
	Comments: Bed bugs are predaceous and feed by sucking blood from birds and mammals. Most species are active only at night.

	Species: Cimex lectularius Linnaeus Common Name: Common bedbug Feeding Habits: The common bedbug feeds on the blood of humans and domestic animals. Distribution: Widespread in Canada Comments: This species is a pest in houses, hotels, barracks and other living quarters. It is nocturnal and hides during the day in cracks in walls, under baseboards, in the springs of mattresses and under wallpaper. With modern sanitation it is much less common in North America but it can still be abundant in some areas. They do not transmit diseases and most people react to their bites the same way as a mosquito bite.