Human bedbugs are widely recognized and detested insects. Together with bat bugs, swallow bugs, and poultry bugs, they belong to the family Cimicidae that is within the suborder Heteroptera or true bugs (order Hemiptera).
Cimicidae comprise less than 100 described species worldwide, but their notorious habits as temporary ectoparasites of birds and mammals, including humans, and the unusual mode of reproduction known as traumatic insemination have made this small group of true bugs infamous.
Recent interest in biology and ecology of bedbugs is now being reinforced by increasing numbers of household infestations on a global scale. By any measure, the bedbugs are back and winning. Extract from Encyclopedia of Insects Vol 2. Vincent H. Resh, Ring T. Cardé
