Masked hunter (assassin bug)

Usually found indoors in dark, dry areas such as attics, basements, wall voids, and behind furniture; also occurs outdoors under bark and debris.

Nymphs and adults are predatory, piercing insects with a beak-like rostrum to suck fluids from flies, bed bugs, cockroaches, and other arthropods.

Mostly nocturnal and secretive. Immature nymphs camouflage themselves by coating their bodies with dust and debris; adults can deliver a painful defensive bite when handled.

They are beneficial household predators that help suppress pest insects. Bites are uncommon but painful and may cause localized swelling; they are not established vectors of Chagas disease.