Masked Hunter (Nymph)

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dry human structures like houses, barns, and sheds, or outdoors in hollow trees and rodents' nests.

Diet & Feeding

Insects including bed bugs, termites, lacewings, earwigs, and flies. They are strictly predatory.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs practice active camouflage by secreting a sticky substance and covering themselves with dust, sand, or debris. They are nocturnal and stealthy hunters.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits humans by preying on household pests like bed bugs. However, if handled or threatened, they can deliver a very painful bite resembling a bee sting.

Identified on: 4/24/2026