Red-footed Cannibalfly

Natural Habitat

Open fields, gardens, woodland edges, and sunny decks or fences in the Eastern and Midwestern United States.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous predator; they hunt other insects in flight, including bees, wasps, beetles, and dragonflies, by injecting them with paralyzing enzymes.

Behavior Patterns

An ambush predator that perches in sunny spots to spot prey. They are known for their loud buzzing flight, similar to a large bee, and a complete metamorphosis life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling populations of other insects. While not aggressive to humans, they can deliver a painful bite if handled or provoked, though they are not venomous.

Identified on: 4/12/2026