Rhingia rostrata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Biology & ecology:

Larva unknown. Many records are associated with deciduous woodland where they visit flowers in rides and clearings. Like, R. campestris, it has two flight periods in May/June and again in early Autumn, but Autumn records are much more numerous, sometimes notably so (e.g. Coe, 1961).

Distribution:

Although formerly very rare, this species has undergone a dramatic range expansion in southern England and through the Welsh borders. It has also established a new population in the East Midlands. These changes are not artefacts of recording effort because most of the areas involved have been closely scrutinised for hoverflies for many years.

Status & conservation:

This species has become much more frequent over the past 15 years and its status has shifted accordingly from Vulnerable in Shirt (1987) to local today.