Rhadamanthus Burnet
Common NameRhadamanthus Burnet
Scientific NameZygaena rhadamanthus
FamilyZygaenidae
SubfamilyZygaeninae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblue, black, red
HabitatDry, rocky grasslands, calcareous slopes, garrigue
Geographic RangeIberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal) and parts of North Africa
Host PlantsEryngium campestre, Eryngium bourgatii
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on Eryngium species, pupating in a silken cocoon attached to vegetation. Adults emerge in late spring to early summer.
Identification TipsIdentified by its metallic blue-black forewings with a specific pattern of red spots. Distinguishing it from similar Zygaena species often requires careful examination of the number and arrangement of these spots.
Description
This day-flying moth features iridescent blue-black forewings prominently marked with several distinct red spots, and a fuzzy black body with characteristic clubbed antennae.
