# Zygaena rhadamanthus

The Zygaena rhadamanthus is a colorful moth with bright red and black patterns. It flutters around flowers and is often seen in sunny meadows, adding beauty to nature.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Grasslands

![Zygaena rhadamanthus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Zygaena_rhadamanthus.jpg&width=800)

Photo: www.invertebradosdehuesca.com, CC BY 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zygaena_rhadamanthus.jpg)

## Appearance

The Zygaena rhadamanthus has a metallic blue-green body and forewings, marked with six distinctive bright red spots. Its hindwings are entirely red with a narrow black border. The antennae are dark and club-shaped, differentiating it from many nocturnal moths.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Lepidoptera
- **Family:** Zygaenidae
- **Genus:** Zygaena

## Interesting facts

- Their caterpillars eat specific plants to build up their protective toxins.
- Their unique club-shaped antennae make them look like tiny, colorful butterflies!
- These moths produce a natural poison called cyanide to scare off predators!
- Unlike most moths, they fly brightly in the sunshine during the day!

## Special abilities

- **Toxic Shield:** Zygaena rhadamanthus can produce hydrogen cyanide because of chemicals absorbed from host plants, making them poisonous to predators.
- **Warning Colors:** Zygaena rhadamanthus has bright red spots that help them warn predators of their toxic nature, preventing attacks.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 30-40 mm
- **Size:** 15-20 mm
- **Lifespan:** 10-25 days
- **Flight Speed:** 12 km/h
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

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

- **Age differences:** Larvae feed on specific host plants, while adults drink nectar from various flowers.
- **Primary Foods:** Astragalus species (milk-vetches), Lotus corniculatus (bird's-foot trefoil), Thyme flowers, Knapweed flowers, Scabious flowers
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** Lusitanian Milk-vetch (*Astragalus lusitanicus*) — Larvae feed on its leaves.
- **Pollinates:** Common Thyme (*Thymus vulgaris*) — Adults sip nectar, aiding reproduction.
- **Eaten by:** Wasp Spider (*Argiope bruennichi*) — Might catch adults in its web.

## Traits

- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

These moths are safe to observe, but remember not to touch them.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Zygaena rhadamanthus?

Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Zygaena rhadamanthus's wingspan?

30-40 mm

### How big is Zygaena rhadamanthus?

15-20 mm

### How long does Zygaena rhadamanthus live?

10-25 days

### How fast can Zygaena rhadamanthus fly?

12 km/h

### What does Zygaena rhadamanthus eat?

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

### Where is Zygaena rhadamanthus usually found?

Grasslands

### How does Zygaena rhadamanthus hunt?

Foraging

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Zygaena rhadamanthus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/zygaena-rhadamanthus)