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Six-spot Burnet

Zygaena filipendulae

The Six-spot Burnet is a colorful moth with six bright red spots on its wings. It loves sunny meadows and can often be seen fluttering around flowers during the day.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Six-spot Burnet has a stout, dark blue-green, metallic body and forewings. It is easily recognized by six distinct, bright red spots on each forewing, standing out vividly against the dark background.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyZygaenidaeGenusZygaena
Six-spot Burnet
spotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Six-spot Burnet

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

1

Interesting facts

Caterpillars eat plants with cyanide, making them super tough for predators to eat!

Some other insects try to look like this moth to trick predators!

This moth spins a shiny, papery cocoon often found on tall grass stems.

When scared, this moth oozes yellow, yucky-tasting liquid from its leg joints!

Special abilities

Ability

Toxic Shield

Six-spot Burnet has toxic chemicals inside because of its diet, which helps them warn off predators.

Ability

Daylight Dancer

Six-spot Burnet can fly actively during the day, unlike most moths, that helps them find flowers.

Ability

Pollen Power

Six-spot Burnet has hairy bodies that help them carry pollen between flowers, aiding plant growth.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-40 mm
Size
15-20 mm
Lifespan
14-28 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on plants, while adults sip nectar from flowers.

Age differences: Larvae eat leaves; adults drink flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Lotus corniculatus leaves
  • Centaurea nigra nectar
  • Cirsium spp. nectar
  • Knautia arvensis nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Burnet Moth

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These moths are safe to observe, but don't touch them as they can be delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Six-spot Burnet?

The easiest way to identify Six-spot Burnet is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is Six-spot Burnet's wingspan?

30-40 mm

How big is Six-spot Burnet?

15-20 mm

How long does Six-spot Burnet live?

14-28 days

What does Six-spot Burnet eat?

Caterpillars munch on plants, while adults sip nectar from flowers.

Where is Six-spot Burnet usually found?

Grasslands

How does Six-spot Burnet hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Six-spot Burnet have?

6

Snap Map

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