Masked hunter (nymph)

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dry, dusty areas like basements, attics, or behind furniture. Naturally occurs in dry, wooded areas.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly carnivorous predators that eat other small arthropods, including bed bugs, booklice, flies, and carpet beetles.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs exhibit 'masking' behavior by secreting a sticky substance and covering their bodies with dust, lint, and sand for camouflage. They are nocturnal and move with a characteristic jerky motion.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the home by preying on household pests like bed bugs. While not aggressive to humans and not disease carriers, they can deliver a painful, localized bite (similar to a bee sting) if handled or provoked.

Identified on: 4/1/2026