Promachus rufipes
(Fabricius, 1775)
Red-footed Cannibal Fly, Red-footed Cannibalfly, Bee Panther
Promachus rufipes, commonly called the red-footed cannibal fly or panther, is a large predatory robber fly in the Asilidae. It belongs to the Promachus, known as 'giant robber flies' for their size and aggressive hunting . The is distinguished from by its black with distinctly orangish tibiae. It occurs primarily in the southeastern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Promachus rufipes: //proʊˈmækəs ˈruːfɪˌpɛz//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Promachus rufipes can be distinguished from similar Promachus by leg coloration: it has black with distinctly orangish tibiae. This contrasts with P. hinei, which has reddish femora, and P. vertebratus, which has more muted two-toned legs with smaller dark areas dorsally on abdominal segments. Like other members of the , it exhibits yellow and black tiger striping on the .
Images
Distribution
Southeastern United States. More common in this region compared to : P. hinei occurs in the central U.S., and P. vertebratus is more common in northern states.
Life Cycle
Members of the Promachus generally lay on the ground near grass roots. Larvae burrow into soil after hatching and feed on soil insects, roots, and decaying matter before pupating within the soil in an unlined .
Similar Taxa
- Promachus hineiSimilar yellow and black tiger striping on ; distinguished by reddish and central U.S. distribution
- Promachus vertebratusSimilar yellow and black tiger striping on ; distinguished by muted two-toned legs with smaller dark areas dorsally on abdominal segments and northern U.S. distribution
More Details
Etymology
The name Promachos derives from Greek mythology, meaning 'the champion' or 'one who leads in battle', an appropriate name for these and fearless .