Blood Droplet Burnet
Common NameBlood Droplet Burnet
Scientific NameZygaena ephialtes
FamilyZygaenidae
SubfamilyZygaeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, red
HabitatDry grasslands, meadows, open woodlands, calcareous soils
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending eastwards into parts of Asia
Host PlantsCoronilla varia, Coronilla coronata, Lotus corniculatus
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, typically *Coronilla* species. Larvae are greenish-yellow with black spots and pupate in a silken cocoon attached to vegetation. The species is aposematic and toxic.
Identification TipsKey features include the fuzzy black body, dark forewings with prominent red spots (which can vary in number and size, and sometimes be yellow), and clubbed antennae. The hindwings are typically red with a black border.
Description
This moth has a robust, fuzzy black body and dark, iridescent blue-black forewings adorned with several bright red, somewhat irregular spots. Its antennae are distinctly clubbed.
