
Community identification
Likely masked hunter nymph
Reduvius personatus
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera; Reduviidae (assassin bugs)
- Size
- Nymphs are about 4–8 mm; adults reach roughly 17–22 mm.
Natural Habitat
Dry, sheltered indoor areas such as wall voids, attics, basements, and furniture; adults may occur outdoors around buildings.
Diet & Feeding
Predatory; it pierces and sucks juices from small insects and other arthropods, including flies, ants, and bed bugs.
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs camouflage themselves by covering their sticky bodies with dust and debris, giving them a fuzzy appearance. They are mostly nocturnal and develop through several nymphal stages before adulthood.
Risks & Benefits
Beneficial as a predator of household pests. It is not a bed bug, but can deliver a painful defensive bite if handled; bites are generally medically minor.