Masked Hunter Nymph (Dust bug)

Natural Habitat

Often found indoors in dusty areas like attics, basements, and behind furniture. They are also found outdoors in hollow trees or abandoned animal nests.

Diet & Feeding

They are predatory insects that feed on other arthropods, including bed bugs, silverfish, and carpet beetles. They skulk and ambush their prey.

Behavior Patterns

The nymphs have a sticky body surface that collects dust, sand, and lint from their environment, creating a natural camouflage (hence the 'mask'). They are nocturnal hunters and generally move slowly unless attacking.

Risks & Benefits

Benefit: They are excellent pest control agents that eat household pests like bed bugs. Risk: They can inflict a painful bite if handled or threatened, similar in intensity to a bee sting, though they do not transmit diseases.

Identified on: 2/12/2026