Masked Hunter (Nymph)

Typically found indoors in dry, dusty areas like basements, attics, and around window sills; also found outdoors in hollow trees and animal nests.

Predatory; they feed on various small arthropods including bed bugs, carpet beetles, termites, and earwigs.

Nymphs exhibit a unique camouflage behavior by covering their bodies with sticky secretions and dust/debris (lint, sand, sawdust), making them look like walking dust bunnies to ambush prey. They are primarily nocturnal and undergo incomplete metamorphosis.

Benefits include biological control of household pests like bed bugs. Risks include a painful bite to humans if handled or provoked, which can cause localized swelling and irritation, though they do not transmit diseases.