Masked Hunter Nymph

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dry, dusty areas like basements, attics, and storage rooms; also found in gardens and under rocks.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous and predatory; feeds on other small arthropods including bed bugs, carpet beetles, termites, and silverfish.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs practice 'masking' by coating their bodies with dust, lint, and sand using specialized hairs, providing camouflage from both predators and prey. They are primarily nocturnal hunters.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem and homeowners by acting as natural pest control for bed bugs and other indoor pests. Primarily harmless to humans unless handled, in which case they can deliver a painful (though non-toxic) defensive bite similar to a bee sting.

Identified on: 2/4/2026