Zygaena

Zygaena is a genus of day-flying moths in the family Zygaenidae, commonly called burnets. They are small to medium-sized moths with dark, often metallic wings bearing bright red or pink spots, typically arranged in six on each forewing in several species; some have five spots or variable patterns. Adults are readily distinguished by their diurnal activity and aposematic wing coloration, which advertises their chemical defenses.

Zygaena species are distributed across the Palearctic region, with a strong presence in Europe and western Asia. They inhabit open grasslands, meadows, and other sunny habitats on calcareous soils where their nectar sources and host plants grow.

Ecology: Adults feed on nectar from flowers; larvae feed on legumes (Fabaceae), including clovers and trefoils, often on plants such as Lotus and Vicia. The genus is notable for cyanogenic compounds: larvae and adults can release hydrogen cyanide, derived from plant-derived cyanogenic glycosides or synthesized, providing defense against predators; their bright spots function as warning coloration.

Life cycle: Most Zygaena species are univoltine (one generation per year) in temperate regions, with adults emerging in late spring to early summer. Eggs are laid on host plants; larvae feed in groups, then pupate among grasses or in leaf litter, and overwinter as pupae.

Notable species: Zygaena filipendulae, the six-spot burnet, is widespread in Europe; Zygaena trifolii, the five-spot burnet, occurs in many parts of Europe and Asia.

Conservation: Many species are habitat specialists and sensitive to grassland loss; some are protected in parts of their range.