About Rhingia rostrata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Rhingia rostrata (Linnaeus, 1758) is a small hoverfly species that measures 7 to 10 millimetres (0.28 to 0.39 inches) in body length, with a wingspan ranging from 11 to 16 millimetres (0.43 to 0.63 inches). It is common across many parts of Europe, and can be found from March through November. Across most of its range, it is slightly less common than the related species Rhingia campestris. In Britain, Rhingia rostrata is only found in southern England. This species has a broad orange abdomen, and lacks the black line along the abdomen's edge that is present on Rhingia campestris. Living Rhingia rostrata individuals have an orange scutellum, though this structure fades to brown in dead specimens. Like all species in the genus Rhingia, it has the group's distinctive long snout. The larvae of Rhingia rostrata are associated with cow dung, while adult individuals feed on nectar and pollen.
