Red-Footed Cannibal Fly
ExploreInsects
Red-Footed Cannibal Fly
promachus rufipes
The Red-Footed Cannibal Fly is a fascinating insect known for its striking appearance and unique behavior. These flies often hunt other insects, making them exciting to observe in nature!
Habitat: Gardens, forests, and open fields.
Appearance
The Red-Footed Cannibal Fly is a large, robust insect, typically dark gray or black, covered in fine hairs. Its most striking feature is its prominent, bright reddish-orange legs. It possesses a bristly body and large, widely spaced eyes.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyAsilidaeGenusPromachus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even as larvae, they are tiny predators, hunting other insects beneath the soil.
Their scientific name, Promachus, means "before battle," hinting at their predatory nature.
These fierce hunters often catch insects that are even larger than themselves!
They have huge compound eyes that give them nearly 360-degree vision to spot prey.
Special abilities
Ability
Mid-Air Maneuvers
Red-Footed Cannibal Fly can catch other insects in mid-flight because of their incredible speed and agility.
Ability
Paralysis Jab
Red-Footed Cannibal Fly has a sharp, needle-like proboscis that helps them inject venom and paralyze prey instantly.
Ability
Liquid Lunch
Red-Footed Cannibal Fly can inject digestive enzymes into their prey, turning their insides into a ready-to-sip liquid meal.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 40-50 mm
- Size
- 20-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-40 days
- Flight Speed
- 40 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These powerful hunters eat other flying insects they catch with their strong legs!
Age differences: Larvae prey on small soil-dwelling insect larvae.
Primary Foods
- bees
- wasps
- grasshoppers
- other flies
- butterflies
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
a common prey item for adults
hunts
German Yellowjacket
Vespula germanica
a swift-flying stinging insect prey
hunts
Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Bombus impatiens
large fuzzy bees caught in flight
eaten by
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Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
a bird that catches large insects
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
Cannibal FlyPredatory FlyRed-Footed Fly
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Red-Footed Cannibal Fly's wingspan?
40-50 mm
How big is Red-Footed Cannibal Fly?
20-25 mm
How long does Red-Footed Cannibal Fly live?
20-40 days
How fast can Red-Footed Cannibal Fly fly?
40 km/h
What does Red-Footed Cannibal Fly eat?
These powerful hunters eat other flying insects they catch with their strong legs!
Where is Red-Footed Cannibal Fly usually found?
Gardens, forests, and open fields.
How does Red-Footed Cannibal Fly hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Red-Footed Cannibal Fly have?
6
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