Masked Hunter (nymph)

Scientific Name: Reduvius personatus

Order & Family: Hemiptera: Reduviidae

Size: 15 to 22 mm (0.6 to 0.9 inches) as adults, smaller as nymphs.

Masked Hunter (nymph)

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in dry, dusty areas such as basements, attics, and under furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds on small arthropods like bed bugs, lacewings, earwigs, and flies using piercing-sucking mouthparts.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs exhibit camouflage behavior by covering their bodies with sticky secretions that trap dust and debris. They are nocturnal hunters.

Risks & Benefits

Beneficial as natural pest control for indoor insects; however, they can deliver a painful (though not medically significant) bite if handled or threatened.

Identified on: 12/30/2025