Erythrus Burnet
Common NameErythrus Burnet
Scientific NameZygaena erythrus
FamilyZygaenidae
SubfamilyZygaeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsred, black, blue
HabitatDry grasslands, rocky slopes, garrigue, maquis
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe (e.g., France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Balkan Peninsula) and parts of North Africa
Host PlantsLotus corniculatus, Dorycnium pentaphyllum
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, typically legumes. Larvae are yellowish-green with black spots and feed on the leaves. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, often attached to vegetation.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its broad, unspotted red forewings with a narrow black margin, and entirely red hindwings with a black margin. The metallic blue-black body and clubbed antennae are also key features, differentiating it from other burnet moths.
Description
A medium-sized, day-flying moth with vibrant red forewings featuring a narrow black border, and red hindwings also edged in black. Its body is dark, often with a metallic blue-green sheen, and it possesses distinctive clubbed antennae.
