Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet - Zygaena lonicerae

Phylum: Arthropoda - Class: Insecta - Order: Lepidoptera - Family: Zygaenidae

Several species of Burnet moths occur in the UK along with several more subspecies which makes accurate identification difficult. The common name refers to a narrow black border around the red underwing of this common day-flying moth.

The Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet flies from early June to the end of July, during the peak flowering time for our native wildflowers which is when the supply of nectar they feed on is most plentiful.

Their habitat is wherever there are plenty of wildflowers - meadows, roadside verges, coastal cliffs and dune systems. They are more active in bright, sunny, warm weather.

The forewing of the Narrow-bordered Five-Spot Burnet Moth ranges between 15 and 19mm.

Distribution

In Britain and Ireland this moth is both common and widespread. On mainland Europe its range extends down to northern Spain, and it extends eastwards through most of temperate Asia including parts of China.

Lifecycle

The adults lay their eggs on various species of native wildflowers, and the larvae remain visible on the stems of the plants. They pupate in transparent cocoons, also spun and positioned on plant stems.

The larval foodplants of The Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Moth are Bird's-foot Trefoil, White and Red Clover, Meadow Vetchling and Sainfoin.

Acknowledgements

This page includes pictures kindly contributed by Rob Petley-Jones

Studying butterflies and moths...