Cimex lectularius, otherwise known as the bed bug, is a blood-feeding parasite of humans, and sometimes backyard chicken flocks.
Adults live 6-12 months and may survive for long periods of time without feeding. Although bed bugs have been found naturally infected with blood-borne pathogens, they are not effective vectors of disease. The primary medical importance is inflammation associated with their bites (due to allergic reactions to components in their saliva).
