Thread-legged Bug
Scientific Name: Emesinae (subfamily within Reduviidae)
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Reduviidae
Size: Typically varies by species, but generally ranges from 5 mm to 40 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Often found in dark, sheltered places such as caves, hollow trees, basements, garages, under loose bark, or in spider webs.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous predators that feed on small insects, spiders, and occasionally raid spider webs to eat the spiders or their prey.
Behavior Patterns
They are stealthy hunters that use their raptorial front legs (similar to praying mantises) to snatch prey. They walk slowly and often bob their bodies to mimic debris or spider silk. Some species are kleptoparasitic, stealing food from spider webs.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans; they rarely bite unless mishandled. They are beneficial as they consume other household pests and spiders.
Identified on: 2/25/2026