The Zygaenidae are a family of Lepidoptera (moths) typically day-flying with a slow fluttering flight, and with rather clubbed antennae. They generally have a metallic sheen and often prominent spots of red or yellow. The bright colours are a warning to predators that the moths are distasteful - they contain toxic substances throughout all stages of their life-cycle.

The majority of Zygaenids are tropical, but they are nevertheless quite well represented in temperate regions. Various species are commonly known as Burnet or Forester moths, often qualified by the number of spots.

Pest species in the family include

• Almond-tree leaf skeletonizer moth (Aglaope infausta)
• Vine bud moth (Theresimima ampellophaga)
• Grapeleaf skeletonizer (Harrisina americana)

10 Species are found in the UK.

• Scarce Forester (Adscita globulariae)
• Cistus Forester (Adscita geryon)
• Forester (Adscita statices)
• Scotch Burnet (Zygaena exulans)
• Slender Scotch Burnet (Zygaena loti)
• New Forest Burnet (Zygaena viciae)
• Six-spot Burnet (Zygaena filipendulae)
• Five-spot Burnet (Zygaena trifolii)
• Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet (Zygaena lonicerae)
• Transparent Burnet (Zygaena purpuralis)

External links

• Moths and Butterflies of Europe and North Africa - Zygaenidae - lots of pictures of species

Moths

Widderchen | Zigenedoj | Zygaenidae | Zygaenidae | Marguoliai | Zygaenidae | Zygaenidae | Punatäplät