Bug Identifier
Masked Hunter
Community identification

Masked Hunter

Reduvius personatus

Order & Family
Hemiptera, Reduviidae
Size
16 to 22 millimeters in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, or outdoors under logs and bark.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous predator that feeds on other insects including bed bugs, spiders, and flies.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs use sticky secretions to cover themselves in dust and debris for camouflage. They are nocturnal hunters that use a piercing proboscis to subdue prey.

Risks & Benefits

They are beneficial pest controllers against household pests like bed bugs, but can inflict a painful defensive bite if handled improperly.