Explanation of Names
MASKED HUNTER: the sticky body surface of the nymph accumulates a coating of dust, lint, sand, etcetera, which masks the presence of the predatory nymph
Numbers
one of four species in the genus in North America
Identification
Large, uniformly dark brown to black. Nymphs cover themselves with dust, lint, sand, and other debris - which usually matches the color of their immediate surroundings and makes the nymphs difficult to detect.
Adult:
Nymphs:
Habitat
Often found around houses (porches, verandas, sheds, exterior walls) and may enter homes on occasion.
Season
adults are common in June and July
Food
adults and nymphs prey on other arthropods (bed bugs, sowbugs, lacewings, earwigs are some prey items)
Remarks
Adults can inflict a painful bite if mishandled. Individuals may occasionally enter homes in search of invertebrate prey but they have no interest in humans, do not feed on blood, and do not transmit any diseases.
See Also
The
Black Corsair (
Melanolestes picipes) is a more robust creature with an enlarged thorax/pronotum that is conspicuously smooth and shiny, plus it has small "ankle weights" on its forelegs and midlegs (modifications of the tibiae that help the insect hold prey and grip slippery surfaces)
Internet References
pinned adult image (Insects of Cedar Creek, Minnesota)
overview with photos of adult and nymph (U. of Minnesota)
