Masked Hunter (Nymph stage)
Scientific Name: Reduvius personatus
Order & Family: Order Hemiptera, Family Reduviidae
Size: 15 to 22 mm (adults), nymphs are smaller
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in dry, indoor environments such as homes, barns, and warehouses.
Diet & Feeding
Exclusively predatory, feeding on other arthropods like bed bugs, lace bugs, and earwigs.
Behavior Patterns
The nymphs cover their bodies with dust, lint, and sand for camouflage; they are nocturnal and move slowly to avoid detection.
Risks & Benefits
Beneficial as they hunt household pests like bed bugs, but can deliver a very painful bite to humans if handled or threatened.
Identified on: 1/13/2026