Field Guide
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Six-spot Burnet
Zygaena filipendulae
Not yet photographed by the community
Day-flying; metallic green with six red spots.
Species Profile
Least Concern (stable UK population)
- Lifespan
- 2–3 weeks as an adult moth; total life cycle approximately 1 year from egg to adult
- Size & Weight
- Wingspan 32–41 mm; body length approximately 10–13 mm
- Habitat
- Rough grassland, meadows, and herbaceous areas where bird's-foot trefoil grows, typically in warm, sheltered locations.
- UK Distribution
- Found throughout southern England and Wales, with populations extending into the Midlands and southern Scotland; resident species with adults present from June to August.
- Diet
- Caterpillars feed exclusively on bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus); adult moths feed on flower nectar and pollen from various plants.
- Predators
- Spiders, robber flies, parasitoid wasps, and occasionally birds; the moth's bright coloration warns predators of its toxicity.
- Mating Season
- June to August
- Breeding
- Females lay clusters of 10–20 eggs on bird's-foot trefoil plants; eggs hatch in approximately 2–3 weeks; single generation per year with caterpillars overwintering.
- Behaviour
- A day-flying moth that rests openly on plants with wings folded tent-like over its body. Males patrol grassland to locate females; the species is notably conspicuous and slow-flying. Adults are often seen basking in sunshine.
- •The bright red and black coloration serves as aposematic (warning) colouration; the moth sequesters toxic compounds from its larval host plant, making it distasteful to predators.
- •Its scientific name Zygaena filipendulae refers to the caterpillar's food plant; 'filipendula' relates to Filipendula (meadowsweet), though the species actually prefers Lotus.
- •The common name 'Six-spot' refers to the six crimson spots on each forewing visible when the moth rests.
- •Males produce an audible chirping sound during courtship by vibrating their wings.
- •The caterpillars are gregarious when young and can skeletonize leaves of bird's-foot trefoil, turning them a distinctive white colour.
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