Infestation by the tropical bedbug Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae): first report in Italy

Bedbugs are subcentimeter reddish-brown flat arthropods widely diffused throughout the world. They belong to the genus Cimex, suborder Hemiptera, and are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites on humans and rarely on other warm-blooded animals. The two main bedbug species are Cimex lectularius (Linnaeus, 1758) and Cimex hemipterus (Fabricius, 1803). C. lectularius is widespread in nearctic and palearctic areas, whereas C. hemipterus is commonly found in the tropical areas. Since the nineties, infestations by bedbugs progressively increased in the whole world, mainly caused by C. lectularius. In Italy infestation by C. hemipterus was never described. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.