Six-spot Burnet Moth
Six-spot Burnet Moth
Scientific Name: ( Zygaena filipendulae )
Another of our day flying moths, the Six-Spotted Burnet is identified by its glossy black colour and, as its name suggests, six red spots found on its forewings. This varies from all other burnet species which only have five spots on their wings. They can be found during the summer months, lazily collecting nectar on thistles, knapweeds and field scabious, while the caterpillars feed on bird’s-foot trefoil. The caterpillars of this species hibernate over one winter and emerge to pupate in a paper- like chrysalis that can commonly be seen on grass stems.
KEY FACTS
CONSERVATION STATUS | Not threatened
WINGSPAN | 30mm-38mm
FOOD | Thistles, Knapweeds, Field Scabious, Bird’s-foot trefoil
SPOT THEM | June to August
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