What is the primary feature of bedbugs?

The primary feature of bedbugs is that they are nocturnal and blood-sucking. This means that they are mostly active at night and primarily feed on the blood of their hosts, which often include humans. Bedbugs are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide produced by sleeping humans, making them skilled at locating their hosts during nighttime hours when people are least likely to be aware of their presence. Their feeding behavior is essential for their survival, as they require blood to reproduce and grow.

The other options describe characteristics that do not apply to bedbugs. For instance, bedbugs are not winged or large; in fact, they are small, flat, and typically about the size of an apple seed. They also do not consume plants, so they cannot be categorized as diurnal and plant-eating. Additionally, bedbugs do not exhibit social behavior or hive-forming characteristics like certain insects such as bees or ants. These distinctions underscore why the aspect of being nocturnal and blood-sucking is the defining trait of bedbugs.