Cimex spp. Flashcards
What order does Cimex spp. belong to?
Siphonaptera (fleas)
Which family is Cimex spp. included in?
Cimicidae
What is the common name?
Bed bugs, bird bugs, bat bugs
Who are the final hosts?
Nesting birds, humans, bats
Where is the site of infection?
Skin
What are the characteristics of adults?
6.5mm long, mouthparts are beak-like, piercing & blood sucking
What are the characteristics of eggs?
1 mm in length
What is the lifecycle?
Bed bugs lay their eggs in their hiding places & nymphs molt 5 times (5 different stages) at weekly intervals taking one blood meal between each molt & another before laying egg (bed bugs can endure starvation for months)
What are some clinical signs?
Allergic reaction to bites, massive infestations (blood loss, substantial nuisance)
what is the diagnosis?
Bug ID
What are treatment & prevention?
Environment managed with appropriate insecticides to discourage the proliferation of these bugs.
When does it feed on hosts? When does it hide?
Feeds at night & hides during the day.
