Cimicidae

Morphology

• Oval
• Wingless insects
• Approximately 5-7 mm in length
• Dorso-ventrally flattened
• Short head
• Prominent pair of eyes
• Both males and females feed on the blood of sleeping individuals

There are two important species:

1. Cimex lectularius (found in both tropical and non-tropical regions)
2. Cimex hemipterus (primarily found in tropical regions)

Life cycle

• Insect: Three part body (head/thorax /abdomen) and 6 legs
• Dorso-ventrally flattened, size 6 mm
• Wingless
• Rostrum („beak“ or stylet) is crossed underneath 
• They undergo hemimetabolous development
• 5 nymphal stages
• One cycle lasts for 6-10 weeks
• Are considered "household pests"
• In laboratory conditions, adult individuals can survive for up to 4 years
• They can spread in furniture, etc. 
• All stages are blood feeder

Diseases

• Not important vectors but annoying, infestations are increasing in many areas
• Nuisance (allergic reaction possible)