[1][2] The Finnish explorer Hendrik Jacob Wikar, who travelled in Southern Africa in 1773–1779, described the larvae as "poisonous worms".

As the larval instars develop, the pellets of their own faeces remain attached to their backs and posteriors.

[3] The Diamphidia larvae burrow down for a depth of up to 1 metre in the sand under the food plant, where they may lie dormant for several years before going through a very rapid pupal phase.

[6] Diamphotoxin is only toxic to mammals when injected into the bloodstream, not when ingested, making it unclear how it protects the larvae.

The Lebistina larvae are more toxic than their hosts and are preferred by San hunters for arrow poison.