Masked hunter (nymph)

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

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

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.

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.