Fauna
Insect · GBIF taxon 5090570

Maroon-legged Lion Fly

Promachus hinei

Also known as Hine's Robber Fly, Maroon-legged Robber Fly

Maroon-legged lion flies are formidable aerial predators known for snatching bees, wasps, and beetles directly out of mid-air. Equipped with exceptional vision and spine-laden legs, they ambush prey from sunny perches atop tall grasses or shrubs before injecting paralyzing saliva. Their loud, deep buzz often announces their presence before their striking reddish legs and fuzzy brown thorax come into view.

InsectPredatorAirborne Predator
Maroon-legged Lion Fly reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Honey Bees
  • Paper Wasps
  • Beetles
Predators
  • Insectivorous Birds
  • Spiders
  • Larger Robber Flies
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticide use and grassland habitat destruction
HabitatsGrasslands, old fields, pastures, and forest edges
Life span1–2 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAsilidae
  2. SpeciesPromachus hinei
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Capable of delivering a sharp, painful bite if handled; observe without touching.
Why it is dangerous
Uses a stout proboscis to inject digestive enzymes that cause a sharp, bee-sting-like bite if pressed against human skin.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by its large size, hairy body, tapered abdomen, and distinctly reddish-maroon leg segments.
What to do
Watch quietly from a safe distance and refrain from trapping or handling the insect.
Responsible observation
  • Approach Slowly: These sharp-eyed predators fly away quickly when startled by abrupt motion.
  • Look at Perches: Search the tips of tall weeds, fence wires, or dead twigs in bright sunlight.
  • Avoid Handling: Never pinch or cup this insect, as its defensive bite is very painful.
Related species
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