Romeo's Burnet
Common NameRomeo's Burnet
Scientific NameZygaena romeo
FamilyZygaenidae
SubfamilyZygaeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark blue, black, red
HabitatDry grasslands, rocky slopes, open woodlands, often on calcareous soils
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe (e.g., Italy, France, Spain, Balkan Peninsula) and parts of North Africa
Host PlantsCoronilla varia, Coronilla emerus
Flight PeriodJune to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, often attached to vegetation, before the adult moth emerges.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark blue-black forewings with typically 5-6 distinct red spots, red hindwings with a dark margin, and characteristic clubbed antennae. Distinguishing it from similar burnet species often requires examining the precise number and arrangement of spots and considering its geographical range.
Description
This is a medium-sized day-flying moth with iridescent dark blue-black forewings featuring several prominent bright red spots, and red hindwings with a dark border. It possesses distinctive clubbed antennae.
