The adult (Fig. 1) size ranges from 17–22 mm (0.686–0.875 inches) in length and appears elongate, black or very dark brown color, and somewhat glossy overall. The head is relatively small, ovoid with wide-set eyes and a recognizable “neck”. The thorax is darker and shinier than the rest of the body. It also has two noticeable protuberances or nubs on the dorsal surface. The wings are held horizontally over the abdomen, have a leathery appearance, and the posterior two-thirds overlap. Upright hairs sparsely cover the body and appendages.
The immature bugs (Fig. 2) are typically lighter in color than the adults, owing to their thinner cuticles and their predilection to covering themselves with dust, lint, bits of insect exoskeleton, and various other small items. The materials are glued to the nymph by a sticky, cuticular excretion.
Both the adults and nymphs have short, three-segmented, thickened mouthparts (Fig. 3) used to pierce their prey. The mouthparts are curved down and backwards, and when not in use are tucked into a groove between the front pair of legs.
 Figure 1. Adult masked hunter |
 Figure 2. Immature masked hunter |
 Figure 3. Mouthparts of masked hunter |