hidden in plain sight
a mini dust collector
searches for bed bugs
The masked hunter (Reduvius personatus) is a remarkable insect species for a few reasons, but mostly because the young (nymphs) camouflage themselves with bits of dust and other debris: often the detritus that tends to collect under your bed or bookshelf (they are found inside homes in many parts of the world). They look so very odd with their dusty, hairy, mottled, colouration and unusual “second skin”. The adults in contrast are more glossy smooth and black. Masked hunters are type of true bug, or Hemiptera and in the group known as assassin bugs. They are, as their namesake suggests, a predatory species, piecing and killing their prey with their piercing/sucking mouthparts. They hunt and feed on a suite of different critters, but are known to eat bedbugs, so this is good news! The less good news is that they can deliver a painful “bite” to humans and while not life-threatening, it sure can hurt. Weird and wonderful insects.
© Christopher M Buddle 2024
Nature's Reverie 