Sloe Burnet
Common NameSloe Burnet
Scientific NameRhagades pruni
FamilyZygaenidae
SubfamilyProcridinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsblack, dark grey, metallic blue
HabitatOpen woodlands, heathlands, grasslands, scrubland
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending eastwards to Central Asia
Host PlantsPrunus spinosa, Crataegus, Sorbus
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with yellow longitudinal stripes and black spots, feeding on host plants. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in a silken cocoon on the ground or low vegetation.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, overall dark metallic coloration, and the absence of the red spots typically found on other burnet moths. Males have prominent feathery antennae.
Description
A small, dark moth with a metallic blue-green head and thorax, and dark, unpatterned wings that often have a subtle metallic sheen. Males possess distinctive bipectinate (feathery) antennae.
