Insect · GBIF taxon 5090482
Red-footed Cannibal Fly
Promachus rufipesAlso known as Bee Panther, Red-footed Robber Fly
Red-footed cannibal flies are formidable predatory insects known for ambushing bees, wasps, and other large flyers right out of the air. Perched high on foliage or exposed branches, they spot prey with oversized eyes before executing swift aerial tackles and injecting paralyzing venom. Their larvae inhabit soil and decaying wood, where they actively hunt subterranean beetle grubs.
PredatoryAgile FlyerInsect Hunter
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Honey Bees
- Wasps
- Beetles
Predators
- Birds
- Spiders
- Lizards
ThreatsPesticide application and habitat loss
HabitatsFields, forest edges, meadows, and gardens
Life span1–2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderDiptera
- FamilyAsilidae
- GenusPromachus
- SpeciesPromachus rufipes
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a painful bite if handled; observe from a respectful distance without touching.
- Why it is dangerous
- Uses a powerful proboscis to inject neurotoxic enzymes into prey, which can cause a painful, localized sting-like reaction if grabbed.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by bright reddish-orange legs, a dark elongated body, and large compound eyes.
- What to do
- Do not attempt to hold or scoop up with bare hands; use a net or clear container if capturing for study.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for them perched prominently on sunlit leaves or twigs watching for flying prey.
- Approach: Move slowly to avoid triggering their quick flight response when photographing them.
- Handling: Avoid catching by hand as their sharp proboscis can pierce human skin painfully.
Competitor (c) Dan MacNeal, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dan MacNeal · cc-by
Prey Andreas Trepte / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) hr_dragonfly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by hr_dragonfly · cc-by
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