Bed Bug vs Abedus Giant Water Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bed Bug Abedus Giant Water Bug
Scientific Name Cimex lectularius Abedus herberti
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cimicidae Belostomatidae
Size 4-7 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Underground Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Worldwide Southwestern United States, northern Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bed Bug

Obligate blood-feeding parasites of humans. Can survive up to a year without feeding. Have made a dramatic worldwide resurgence due to pesticide resistance and increased travel.

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Did You Know?

Bed bugs can survive without a blood meal for over a year and can withstand temperatures from near-freezing to 50°C, making them extraordinarily difficult to eliminate.

Abedus Giant Water Bug

A medium-sized, broad-bodied giant water bug found in streams and springs of the American Southwest. Males are well known for their egg-brooding behavior, carrying eggs on their backs. It is adapted to flowing water habitats.

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Did You Know?

It has been a model organism for studying sexual selection because females compete aggressively for males, who are a limited resource due to their extended parental care duties.