Bug Identifier
Masked Hunter (Nymph)
Community identification

Masked Hunter (Nymph)

Reduvius personatus

Order & Family
Order Hemiptera, Family Reduviidae
Size
Nymphs are 5 to 22 mm; adults reach about 17 to 22 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dry areas, such as basements, attics, and behind furniture, as well as outdoors in woodpiles.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly carnivorous; they prey on other small insects and arthropods like bed bugs, lacewings, earwigs, and flies.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs exhibit 'masking' behavior by secreting a sticky substance and covering themselves with dust and debris for camouflage. They are nocturnal and move with a slow, jerky gait.

Risks & Benefits

They are beneficial as they eat household pests like bed bugs. However, if handled or threatened, they can deliver a very painful bite to humans, though they do not transmit diseases.