Narrow-bordered five-spot burnet
Common NameNarrow-bordered five-spot burnet
Scientific NameZygaena lonicerae
FamilyZygaenidae
SubfamilyZygaeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark blue, red, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, chalk downlands, coastal areas
Geographic RangeEurope, extending into parts of Asia
Host Plantsclovers (Trifolium spp.), bird's-foot trefoils (Lotus spp.), vetch (Vicia spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various legumes, overwinter as partially grown caterpillars, and pupate in a spindle-shaped silken cocoon attached to grass stems or leaves.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its five red spots on the forewings and the relatively narrow black border on its red hindwings, which helps differentiate it from other similar burnet species.
Description
This is a medium-sized, day-flying moth with iridescent dark blue-green forewings adorned with five prominent red spots. Its body is dark, and it possesses distinctive clubbed antennae.
