Masked Hunter (Nymph Stage)

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in dry, dusty areas such as attics and basements, as well as outdoors in trees or woodpiles.

Diet & Feeding

Predatory; eats other small arthropods including bed bugs, silverfish, and carpet beetles by piercing them and sucking out their juices.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs exhibit camouflage behavior by covering themselves with dust, sand, and debris using specialized hairs; they are nocturnal and move with a jerky, stop-and-go motion.

Risks & Benefits

Beneficial as a natural pest control for indoor insects, but capable of delivering a painful bite to humans if handled or threatened, which can cause swelling and irritation.

Identified on: 4/9/2026