Six-spot Burnet

Zygaena filipendulae PhotoForewing length: 17mm 

Description
The Burnets are very distinctive colourful day-flying moths with clubbed antennae that fly in a direct, rather bee-like manner quite different to other moths. The Six-spot Burnet is one of the commonest species, often seen nectaring on grassland flowers. The well separated six spots on the forewings identify it from the two otherwise very similar five-spotted species. The pupal cases are conspicuous on grasses and even metal fencing. 

Flight Period
Late June – August.

Larval Food plants
Common and Greater Birdsfoot Trefoil. 

Habitat
Flowery grassland. 

Wiltshire Status
Resident, common and widely distributed.