A mysterious white bug
Location: Brossard, Québec, Canada
June 18, 2011 10:00 pm
Dear bugman,
I found this intriguing bug in my house today, near the patio door.
It was approximately 1 cm long.
I tried to blow on it (in case the white stuff covering it was mere dust) but the appearance of the bug did not change at all.
Do you have any idea of what it could be?
Thank you in advance!
Best regards,
Signature: Marie Charbonneau
Dear Marie,
Your insect is a species of Assassin Bug known as the Masked Hunter, or sometimes a Bed Bug Hunter, Reduvius personatus. The exoskeleton of the immature Masked Hunter is sticky and attracts all manner of lint and debris, effectively camouflaging the predator in its environment. Since they prey upon a variety of insects, including Bed Bugs, they are considered beneficial insects.
Allo. J’ai vu cet insecte dans ma salle de bains. Il a sauté sur une fourmi, il lui a pincé le cou, la fourmi se tortillait, pis il a réussi à lui couper la tête. Je crois que ce sont les bébés de l’insecte punaise réduve masquée ou punaise masquée.