Masked Hunter (Nymph)

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dry areas like basements, attics, and corners where dust accumulates; also found in bird nests or under rocks outdoors.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous predator; feeds on small arthropods including bed bugs, carpet beetles, termites, and earwigs using piercing-sucking mouthparts.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs practice active camouflage by covering their sticky bodies with dust, lint, and sand (masking). They are nocturnal hunters that move with jerky, deliberate motions to avoid detection.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by acting as natural pest control for indoor insects. While not aggressive to humans, they can deliver a very painful bite if handled or provoked, though they do not transmit diseases.

Identified on: 1/2/2026