 The scientific name of the species was once "Epitriptus cowini"; however, it was renamed "Machimus cowini" after being placed in the genus "Machimus".The conservation status of the species is currently unknown; however, the Manx Wildlife Trust and Manx National Trust, through the creation of nature reserves, have saved the habitat of the robber fly from total destruction.In 1979 the Isle of Man Post Office issued a 13-pence stamp to celebrate 100 years of the Manx Natural History & Antiquarian Society.