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Red-Footed Cannibalfly

Red-Footed Cannibalfly

Promachus rufipes

A species of Promachus

The red-Footed Cannibalfly (Promachus rufipes) is among giant robber flies that are bold predators. It injects toxic saliva that liquified the insides of its target prey. Because of its bright-yellow exterior, it avoids predators that would normally hunt for an insect of its size. It has even been reported as attacking some hummingbirds. 

General Info About Red-Footed Cannibalfly
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Attributes of Red-Footed Cannibalfly
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
meadow; field; forest edge
Adult Food Sources
Bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths
Larva Food Source
Small invertebrates, insect larvae, aphids, termites, small arachnids
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Red-Footed Cannibalfly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Species Status of Red-Footed Cannibalfly
It is distributed in eastern North America.
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Distribution Area of Red-Footed Cannibalfly
United States
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Appearance of Red-Footed Cannibalfly
Red-Footed Cannibalfly is a kind of medium and large insects. The whole body has yellow or brown hair. Its abdomen is long and slender, with distinct sections and black and yellow stripes. The eyes are big. The front end of the foot has black burrs.
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How to Identify Red-Footed Cannibalfly?

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Life Cycle of Red-Footed Cannibalfly
Egg During the egg stage, the small, often oval-shaped eggs are laid in environments likely to have ample food for the larvae. They exhibit very little, if any, mobility and will hatch into larvae.
Larva The larvae emerge worm-like and lack developed legs or wings. Their primary function is feeding, growing rapidly in size, and usually changing color as they mature.
Pupal In the pupal stage, the red-Footed Cannibalfly is immobile and encased within a protective cocoon or puparium. Inside, major transformation occurs, restructuring its anatomy and developing adult features.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult red-Footed Cannibalfly’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Red-Footed Cannibalfly
2.5 - 3.5 cm
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Interesting Facts About Red-Footed Cannibalfly
The red-Footed Cannibalfly has incredible mid-air agility, capable of executing sharp turns to catch its prey while flying.
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Scientific Classification of Red-Footed Cannibalfly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Tips for Finding Red-Footed Cannibalfly
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Youth Habitat of Red-Footed Cannibalfly
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Red-Footed Cannibalfly
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Red-Footed Cannibalfly
Since red-Footed Cannibalfly are predatory, trap food may include smaller insects like flies or moths, which can be used to attract them.
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Habitat Preferences of Red-Footed Cannibalfly Through Different Life Stages
The egg stage of red-Footed Cannibalfly typically occurs in sandy soil or loose earth where the female lays her eggs. For the larval stage, searching under stones or leaf litter in proximity to small insects or larvae, which they prey upon, is most successful. Pupae are usually found in the same areas as larvae or slightly deeper in the soil as they prepare for metamorphosis. The adult red-Footed Cannibalfly prefers sunny, open locations with good visibility to spot prey, such as edges of forests, grasslands, or along sunny paths and meadows.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Red-Footed Cannibalfly
The suitable time to find adult red-Footed Cannibalfly is usually on warm and sunny days when they are most active, typically during the late morning and early afternoon.
Are Red-Footed Cannibalfly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Red-Footed Cannibalfly
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults
Purpose
Feed Itself
Red-Footed Cannibalfly uses its powerful and agile flight to chase down prey mid-air. After catching a victim, red-Footed Cannibalfly uses its long, piercing mouthparts to inject a cocktail of neurotoxic and proteolytic enzymes, effectively immobilizing and digesting the prey's insides. This airborne hunter is crucial for controlling pest populations, serving an important ecological role in its habitat.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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