Assassin bug

7442.      I’ve seen a few of these guys in the summer months. They seem to get in through the window air conditioner. What is it, and is it dangerous to me or my cat? (On that note — please excuse all the cat hair visible in the photo.) Thank you. Toronto, Ontario. Canada

Number 7442.     This is an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae) known as the masked hunter (Reduvius personatus). They are general predators on other small invertebrates, mainly other insects, and they reportedly can deliver a very painful (but not dangerous) bite if mishandled. See Assassin bug detailed information .