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Submitted by: Rick D

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It bites!?! Ahhhh! Only this one found, haven't seen any others since. (It bites! ...Ahhh!) I didn't think of nymph stage for identifying this one and now that I know what the "adults" look like, I can definitely say that I've seen these flitting outside around the lawn and garden. Thank you for the ID, Moni! -Rick D

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Submitted by: Moni

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Rick I believe your insect is the nymph stage of a true bug called masked hunter. This is in the assassin bug family so they are predators on other insects. Nymphs exude a sticky substance that causes dust, lint, and other small particles to adhere to the surface of their body. This camouflage may help the nymph avoid detection by both predators and prey.These nymphs can bite humans in self-defense when mishandled. The bite is said to be very painful. Both the adult and nymph are predators. They prefer dry habitats and if found in the house there are never very many. They are said to feed on woodlice(think pillbugs or rolly pollys that do not roll), lacewings, earwigs,and bedbugs. Hopefully you just brought it in. Here are some other pictures of this critter. http://bugguide.net/node/view/260837/bgimage

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