Community identification
Masked Hunter (nymph)
Reduvius personatus
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Reduviidae
- Size
- Nymphs represent the 1-22 mm growth range; adults are typically 17-22 mm.
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in dry areas such as basements, attics, and closets, or outdoors in bird nests and under bark.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; feeds on small arthropods like bed bugs, termites, flies, and silverfish.
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs exhibit 'masking' behavior by covering their bodies with dust, lint, and debris for camouflage. They are nocturnal hunters that use a piercing-sucking mouthpart to catch prey.
Risks & Benefits
Benefit the ecosystem by Controlling household pests like bed bugs. They can deliver a painful bite to humans if handled or threatened, but do not transmit diseases.