Six-spot Burnet

Description:

The Six-spot Burnet, Zygaena filipendulae, is a day-flying moth of the family Zygaenidae. The sexes are similar and have a wingspan of 30–40 millimetres (1.2–1.6 in). The forewings are dark metallic green with 6 vivid red spots (sometimes the spots are merged causing possible confusion with other species such as Five-spot Burnet). Occasionally the spots are yellow or even black. The hindwings are red with a blackish fringe.

Habitat:

It is a common species throughout Europe. The adults fly on hot, sunny days from June to August, and are attracted to a wide variety of flowers such as knapweed and scabious as well as the larval food plants bird's foot trefoil and clover. The species overwinters as a larva.