Masked Hunter (Nymph)

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dry, dusty areas like basements, attics, and storage rooms, as well as outdoors in woodpiles.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous and predatory, feeding on diverse small arthropods including bed bugs, carpet beetles, silverfish, and earwigs.

Behavior Patterns

The nymphal stage covers itself with dust, lint, and sand (known as "masking") for camouflage to ambush prey. They are primarily nocturnal and undergo incomplete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem and homeowners by preying on household pests. While not aggressive to humans, they can deliver a painful, defensive bite similar to a bee sting if handled or provoked.

Identified on: 12/28/2025