Masked Hunter Nymph (Dust Bug)
Scientific Name: Reduvius personatus
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Reduviidae (Assassin Bugs)
Size: Nymphs vary as they grow, typically reaching 10–12 mm (0.4–0.5 inches) before adulthood.
Natural Habitat
Often found indoors in homes, specifically in dusty corners, attics, and basements where their prey hides. Outdoors, they inhabit dry, sheltered areas.
Diet & Feeding
Strictly carnivorous predators. They feed on small household pests like bed bugs, silverfish, carpet beetles, and millipedes.
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs secrete a sticky substance that covers their body, intentionally collecting dust, lint, and debris to camouflage themselves as dust bunnies (a behavior known as 'camouflaging'). They are ambush predators that stalk their prey slowly.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: They act as natural pest control, eating unwanted bugs. Risks: While not aggressive, they can inflict a painful bite if handled or threatened, comparable to a bee sting. They do not transmit diseases.
Identified on: 3/7/2026