-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Flies Order (Diptera)

-Brachyceran Flies (Suborder Brachycera)​

-Orthorrhaphan Flies (Infraorder Orthorrhapha)

-Superfamily Asiloidea

-Robber Flies (Family Asilidae)​

-Subfamily Asilinae

-Genus Cophura

Flies of the genus Cophura are slender, wasp-mimicking robber flies in the family Asilidae, most commonly found in warm regions of the Americas. Cophura species are active aerial predators, usually observed perched on exposed twigs, grasses, or low vegetation where they wait for passing prey. From these vantage points, they launch quick, precise flights to seize small flying insects such as flies, bees, and other soft-bodied arthropods. Once captured, prey is subdued with an injected toxin and digestive enzymes delivered through the proboscis. These flies are most active in sunny, open habitats such as scrublands, forest edges, and grasslands.