There is something both creepy and compelling about the fearsomely-named Red-footed Cannibalfly (Promachus rufipes). I first spotted one last summer and noted in a posting that these insects, sometimes referred to as Bee Panthers, are reported to be capable of taking down a hummingbird.
I caught sight of this specimen earlier this week as I was making my way along a creek in the back area of my local marsh, searching for the equally fierce Dragonhunter dragonfly (Hagenius brevistylus). The Dragonhunter is a very large dragonfly that, as its name suggests, specializes in hunting other dragonflies (along with bees, wasps, and butterflies).
The Red-footed Cannibalfly is part of a larger group of giant robber flies of the genus Promachus, a name that in Greek means “who leads in battle,” according to Wikipedia. I am fairly confident of my identification, but would welcome any corrections from more experienced insect hunters.
Be sure to look carefully at the claws on the front legs in the image. I am sure that it’s almost impossible to escape when this predator sinks those claws into you and injects you with a toxin that paralyzes you and liquifies your insides.
As one blogger so eloquently put it, “Be thankful these insects aren’t the size of Sandhill Cranes.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Some insects might find their inside liquefying at just the sight of this one!
Any animal or insect with cannibal in their name is something I would except to be vicious. Apart from the claws to be he looks quite peaceful.
I’ve seen several robber flies at our cabin in Minnesota, some still holding prey as big as themselves, and to my eye they are fearsome indeed. I remember well the crane analogy and vehemently second that emotion!
Truly, some of the best photography on the internet…I really found the information interesting and a bit scary.
Thanks for your kind words, Charlie. I am working on improving the quality of my photos and sometimes it shows.
Your pictures are amazing! You should produce a book with your pictures!
Thanks, Julie. At the moment I am mostly shooting for fun and mostly just post the photos on-line. I feel like I am getting better and hope to get some printed to see how they look. A book? It would be really cool to think about one some day.