Zygaenidae: Zygaeninae

04000 Five-spot Burnet Zygaena trifolii, (Esper, 1783)

BF0170 (ABH54.010)

 2010-2016
 2017
 2018
 2019


General Information

It is difficult to distinguish this moth from the more common Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet. The Five-spot Burnet is slightly smaller than the Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet and is found where foodplant Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil is present.

 

Moths with the middle pair of spots merged are more frequent in this species. The Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet flies earlier.

 

A rare form exists where the red spots are replaced by yellow.

 

Overwinters as a larva, sometimes twice. Pupates in a cocoon formed low down on the food plant.

 

The larvae have shorter hairs than the Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.

 

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Flies during the day

Forewing length: 14-19mm.
Foodplant(s): Common Bird's-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
Flying: One generation, June-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status:

Habitat

Dry calcareous grassland on chalk and limestone.

Regional Information

Recorded in 3 (0.2%) of the 1900 10km squares of Bulgaria.

Last recorded in July 2012

Recorded date range (Adult): 30 June to 20 July

Similar Species


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
white, green, yellow, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5