Bug Identifier
Masked Hunter
Community identification

Masked Hunter

Reduvius personatus

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

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, attics, and around baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous predator feeding on household pests including flies, bed bugs, and spiders.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs use sticky secretions to cover themselves in dust and debris for camouflage. They are nocturnal hunters that pierce prey with a rostrom.

Risks & Benefits

They do not feed on humans, but can deliver a painful defensive bite if handled carelessly. They act as beneficial pest controllers in homes.