Masked Hunter

Scientific Name: Reduvius personatus

Order & Family: Hemiptera, Reduviidae

Size: 17 to 22 mm (approx. 0.7 to 0.9 inches)

Commonly found in and around human habitations, barns, and woodlots; they prefer dark, dusty corners.

Predatory; consumes other arthropods like bed bugs, lacewings, earwigs, and woodlice using piercing-sucking mouthparts.

Nymphs exhibit 'masking' behavior by covering themselves in dust and debris for camouflage; adults are nocturnal and attracted to artificial light.

Highly beneficial for indoor pest control (especially against bed bugs), but can deliver a very painful bite to humans if handled or threatened.

Identified on: 6/30/2026