Anasimyia lineata (Fabricius, 1787)

Family: Syrphidae

Adult Flight: May to September (peaking in June to July)

A widespread Anasimyia species of Hoverfly, out of the five British species, this is the most common and widespread species of hoverfly. Anasimyia lineata can be found over most of the United Kingdom, including the far north of Scotland. Also, over most of Europe.
Very distinguishable from other Eristalini hoverflies, by the long facial snout. Obviously designed to be able to take nectar and pollen from within more elongated flower heads.

Habitat: Wetlands, marshlands, ditches, near still or slow flowing waters like ponds, lakes and streams, with lush vegetation growing alongside the edges, such as Bulrushes, Yellow iris and Willow herb plants. Also, Buttercups, Silverweed and Water Mint are frequently visited for food.

The larvae (known as rat-tailed maggots) are aquatic and microphagous (feeding on minute particles or micro-organisms), they feed and live, mainly around the base of the decaying plant matter.
The adult males are known to be territorial; they are usually seen perching from a lookout perch, for other A. lineata males, that may intrude onto his territory.