Cederberg Heelwalker vs Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cederberg Heelwalker Robber Fly
Scientific Name Austrophasma cederbergense Promachus rufipes
Order Mantophasmatodea Diptera
Family Austrophasmatidae Asilidae
Size 15-22 mm 15-30 mm
Habitat Heathland Meadows
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Southern Africa, South Africa North America, Europe
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Cederberg Heelwalker

A predatory heelwalker found in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa. It is greenish-brown and well-camouflaged among fynbos shrubs.

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Did You Know?

Females eat the male after mating, similar to praying mantises, despite being in an entirely different order.

Robber Fly

Aggressive aerial predators that catch other insects in flight. Inject prey with neurotoxic saliva that paralyzes and liquefies internal organs for consumption.

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Did You Know?

Robber flies are such efficient aerial predators that they have been recorded catching dragonflies, wasps, and even other robber flies in mid-air.