
Community identification
Masked Hunter Nymph
Reduvius personatus
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Reduviidae
- Size
- Immaturity range from 5 to 20 mm; adults are approximately 22 mm.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found indoors in basements, attics, and cluttered areas; outdoors in leaf litter and gardens.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous predator; feeds on small arthropods such as bed bugs, termites, flies, and silverfish.
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs apply a layer of dust, lint, and debris to their bodies as camouflage. They move slowly and are primarily nocturnal hunters.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits humans by preying on household pests like bed bugs. Risks include a painful (though not medically significant) bite if handled or provoked.