sixspot

The six-spot burnet (Zygaena filipendulae) is a day-flying moth in the family Zygaenidae. It is native to Europe and parts of temperate Asia and is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, hedgerows, and other sunny, flowering habitats. The species is easily recognized by its metallic black wings and the six bright red spots on each forewing, arranged in two groups of three. The coloration provides a warning signal to predators, as burnet moths contain hydrogen cyanide compounds as a chemical defense.

Adults occur from late spring through summer, depending on location, and are often seen feeding on nectar from flowering plants. They are capable fliers and can be found hovering over flowers or resting on vegetation with wings closed. The six-spot burnet is more active during warm, sunny days and may be observed on common meadow species such as clovers and trefoils.

Larvae feed primarily on leguminous plants, including birds-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), clovers (Trifolium spp.), and related species. The caterpillars develop underground or in plant litter, overwinter as pupae, and emerge as adults in the following season. The species has multiple generations per year in warmer regions, with a single brood more typical in cooler areas.

Conservation status is generally stable in many parts of its range, but habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and pesticide use can reduce suitable breeding and foraging areas. The six-spot burnet faces competition from habitat modification and changes in plant communities, but remains one of the more widespread and recognizable European moths. Related species, such as the five-spot burnet, can be distinguished by the number and arrangement of forewing spots.