What order includes bed bugs?

The order that includes bed bugs is Hemiptera. This order, commonly known as true bugs, is characterized by insects that have specially adapted mouthparts for piercing and sucking. Bed bugs, scientifically named Cimex lectularius, fall under this classification due to their feeding behavior, which involves piercing the skin of their hosts to feed on blood.

Hemiptera is distinct because it encompasses various other species that share similar feeding habits and body structures. In contrast, the other orders listed have their unique characteristics: Diptera includes flies, which have a single pair of wings and are known for their diverse life cycles; Lepidoptera consists of butterflies and moths, known for their scales on wings and complete metamorphosis; Orthoptera includes grasshoppers and crickets, which are distinguished by their jumping legs and chewing mouthparts. Understanding these classifications helps in identifying pests and recognizing their biological and ecological traits.