Many are bloodsucking parasites of mammals, including humans. Others are predators, feeding on bed bugs, flies, caterpillars and other insects. Most are found in late June to early August. Eyes are large with an elongate protruding head. It is kept folded back between the front legs when not used.
Adults are winged and able to fly.
They are found in nests of rats and will feed on any animal including humans. Oval, pearly-white eggs are laid singly from May to September. Each batch is laid after a blood meal. Nymphs have eight instars requiring three years for the life cycle. The conenose is a vector of Chagas disease prevalent in Mexico, Central America, and South America, where these bugs may colonize human habitations.