Masked Hunter (Nymph)

Natural Habitat

Found inside homes, particularly in dusty areas like basements, attics, or behind baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly insectivorous; they prey on bed bugs, termites, spiders, lacewings, and earwigs.

Behavior Patterns

The nymphs exhibit 'masking' camouflage by secreting a sticky substance that allows dust, lint, and debris to adhere to their bodies. This makes them appear like a wandering scrap of lint. They are nocturnal hunters.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem as a natural pest controller, especially for bed bug infestations. However, if handled or threatened, they can deliver a very painful bite (similar to a bee sting), though they do not transmit diseases.

Identified on: 4/4/2026