Reduvius personatus

Measuring 16 to 18 mm this is a large and predominantly black bug, although the bases of the antennae and tibiae are paler.

This species is associated with humans (synanthropic) and breeds in houses, feeding on a range of associated insects such as bedbugs, silverfish, booklice and flies. The bug does not suck blood or spread disease; it may however inflict a painful bite if handled roughly. It has also been attracted to light.

Adult: May to September.

The larvae camouflage themselves using dust and the bug is sometimes known as the 'Masked Hunter' for this reason.

Infrequent in Britain where it has been recorded mainly from southern and central England.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland - the Buckminster specimen of 24th June 2015 is only the second record of this species in VC55, the first coming from Market Harborough in 1949.