The history of taxonomic work undertaken on Afrotropical Philodicus Loew, 1848 is summarised. Details relating to the southern African fauna are provided. Five species occur in the sub-region: P. cinerascens (Ricardo, 1900), P. dubius Ricardo, 1921, P. fraterculus (Walker, 1855), P. swynnertoni Hobby, 1933 and P. tenuipes Loew, 1858. A lectotype and paralectotype are designated for P. dubius. A key to the species is provided along with new illustrations of male terminalia in order to facilitate identification. All known records are provided for these species along with distribution maps and notes on their biology. All species are found near places where free water may be found. All known prey records are provided and discussed, and a strong preference for grasshoppers (Acrididae) is noted.