Forest Burnet
Common NameForest Burnet
Scientific NameZygaena osterodensis
FamilyZygaenidae
SubfamilyZygaeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, red
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest clearings, dry meadows, scrubland
Geographic RangeCentral Europe, Eastern Europe, parts of Western Asia
Host PlantsLathyrus niger, Vicia cracca, Vicia sepium
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on the leaves, and pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, often attached to vegetation.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the specific pattern of two elongated red streaks on the forewings, which are typically more linear and less spot-like than some other Zygaena species. The dark hindwings are also a key feature.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a black body and dark, somewhat translucent forewings marked with two distinct, elongated red streaks. It possesses prominent clubbed antennae.
