Robber Fly: Red-footed Cannibalfly (Promachus rufipes)

A few weeks ago we had a cold spell. Just after it warmed up again, I walked down to the creek. The woods were alive with Carolina Satyrs; more than I have ever seen at one single time. Although I have seen robber flies, I have only seen one at a time. On this occasion there were five or six.


Some were Red-footed Cannibalflies (Promachus rufipes). When they fly, they sound like little single-engine airplanes. I can identify them when I hear them coming.

Identification resources:
- Giff Beaton's Robber Flies (Asilidae) of Georgia and the southeast: Red-footed Cannibalfly (Promachus rufipes).
- Bug Guide: Red-footed Cannibalfly (Promachus rufipes).
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