Rhingia campestris
This record describes Rhingia campestris (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
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). 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.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Near to hedgerows, woodland edges.
Seasonal Activity
April to October. Peaking late May/early June and late August/early September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae breed in cow dung where they are exceedingly well camouflaged in the surface layer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very common throughout Britain except in the far north.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rhingia campestris. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Rhingia campestris (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhingia campestris
What is Rhingia campestris?
Rhingia campestris is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Rhingia campestris found?
Habitat: Near to hedgerows, woodland edges.
When is Rhingia campestris active?
Rhingia campestris: seasonal activity - April to October. Peaking late May/early June and late August/early September..
What is the life cycle of a Rhingia campestris?
The larvae breed in cow dung where they are exceedingly well camouflaged in the surface layer.