Masked Hunter (Nymph)

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.

Identified on: 1/4/2026