Masked Hunter (Nymph)
Scientific Name: Reduvius personatus
Order & Family: Hemiptera: Reduviidae
Size: Nymphs are typically 1 to 5 mm depending on instar stage; adults reach 17-22 mm.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found inside homes, barns, and warehouses, particularly in dry, dusty areas where prey is abundant.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous predator that feeds on various small arthropods including bed bugs, carpet beetles, termites, and silverfish.
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs practice debris-cloaking, covering their bodies with dust, lint, and sand for camouflage; they are primarily nocturnal hunters.
Risks & Benefits
Beneficial as a natural pest control agent against indoor insects, but capable of delivering a very painful defensive bite to humans if handled.
Identified on: 6/28/2026