Rhingia campestris

The genus is easily recognised by its long snout. With R. campestris the abdomen usually has a black line or stripe along the axis, but always along the lateral margins of the tergites. It has a largely orange abdomen and dark thorax.

There are just two Rhingia species in Britain and both are very similar. However R. rostrata lacks the black margins to the tergites and has a completely orange abdomen and legs. R. campestris has a black ring on at least the rear leg and often more).

Near to hedgerows, woodland edges.

April to October. Peaking late May/early June and late August/early September.

The larvae breed in cow dung where they are exceedingly well camouflaged in the surface layer.

Very common throughout Britain except in the far north.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.