Wing length 7.5 to 9.5 mm. Similar to the much more common R. campestris, but in Rhingia rostrata the thorax is more bluish in colour, there are no dark edges to the abdomen, the legs have more orange and less black and it is generally brighter in colour being yellowy orange rather than a duller brownish orange.

Rhingia campestris

It seems to be found mainly in woodland (especially semi natural woodland).

April to October peaking in August and early September.

This species has undergone a major range expansion and is now widespread across the southern half of Britain to North Wales.

It still seems to be local and occasional in our area, but probably increasing in numbers, and possibly overlooked and misidentified as R. campestris.