Masked Hunter

Found indoors in homes, basements, and outbuildings, as well as outdoors in drier woodland or rocky areas under debris.

Predatory insect that feeds on other household arthropods such as spiders, bed bugs, woodlice, and earwigs.

Nymphs are known to cover themselves in dust, lint, and debris for camouflage, hence the name masked hunter. They are mostly nocturnal and use a piercing-sucking proboscis to inject paralyzing saliva into prey.

Benefits humans by preying on household pests like bed bugs and spiders. They generally avoid biting humans, but can deliver a painful defensive bite if handled or accidentally trapped against the skin.