DESCRIPTION: Wing length 7.5 - 9.5. A species that is usually picked out in flight due to its distinctly orange abdomen. It can be confused with its close relative R. campestris but the thorax here is more blue-grey, the legs are more orange in appearance and the thorax lacks any black stripes along the side. BEHAVIOUR: The larvae develop in deer or badger dung with eggs found on foliage nearby. DISTRIBUTION: Frequent in southern Britain becoming more local northwards. Never seen in great numbers but may be overlooked due to confusion with Rhingia campestris. HABITAT: Woodlands and hedgerows seem to particularly favoured spots. PERIOD: April to early October with a peak in the late summer months.