Bug Identifier
Masked Hunter (Nymph Stage)
Community identification

Masked Hunter (Nymph Stage)

Reduvius personatus

Order & Family
Hemiptera: Reduviidae
Size
17 to 22 mm (adults), nymphs are smaller and camouflaged.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found inside homes and gardens near human dwellings, often in dusty areas like basements or attics.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds on other small arthropods like bed bugs, flies, and carpet beetles.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs exhibit 'camouflaging' behavior by covering their bodies with sticky secretions and debris/dust. They are nocturnal hunters.

Risks & Benefits

Beneficial as they hunt pests like bed bugs; however, they can deliver a painful bite to humans if handled or threatened, though they are not medically significant.