Six Spot Burnet: Essential Facts and Tips

folder_openInsecta, Lepidoptera
comment16 Comments

The Six Spot Burnet is a fascinating moth species that captures the attention of both nature enthusiasts and casual observers alike. These beautiful day-flying insects, with their eye-catching black and greenish-blue metallic wings, can be spotted in various habitats such as grasslands, meadows, and coastal areas.

As the name suggests, this moth is known for the six red spots adorning its wings. However, it’s interesting to note that the number of spots can sometimes vary, often merging to form larger markings. While watching these captivating creatures, you may witness their fascinating lifecycle that includes a cat’s ear looking caterpillar, a cocoon, and an adult moth.

Distinct from nocturnal moths, the Six Spot Burnet is active during the day, making it easier for you to observe and appreciate its intricate patterns and vibrant colors. With this newfound knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to identify and enjoy the presence of these stunning moths in your environment.

Overview of the Six Spot Burnet

The Six Spot Burnet (Zygaena filipendulae) is a fascinating moth belonging to the insect order Lepidoptera. As a day-flying arthropod, it showcases a unique set of features.

What sets this moth apart from others is its striking appearance. The Six Spot Burnet has a vibrant, metallic green body and wings adorned with six striking red spots. These spots serve as a warning sign for predators, as the moth’s bright colors signal that it is toxic.

As an animal native to grassy meadows and coastal dunes in Europe, the Six Spot Burnet enjoys feeding on the nectar of various flowers. Thistles and knapweeds are some of their favorites.

In its caterpillar stage, the Six Spot Burnet feeds on the leaves of specific plants like bird’s-foot trefoil. Here are some key features of this moth:

  • Belongs to the Zygaenidae family of moths
  • Can be found across Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa
  • Wingspan ranges from 30-40mm

To sum it up, the Six Spot Burnet is a remarkable day-flying insect with a distinct appearance and interesting behavior. Appreciating its beauty and role in the ecosystem can enhance your understanding of the fascinating world of Lepidoptera.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan and Spots

The Six Spot Burnet is a stunning moth with a wingspan of approximately 30-40mm. Its forewings and hindwings are covered in glossy black with six distinctive red spots. These eye-catching patterns make it easy to identify in the wild. Some key features include:

  • Glossy black wings
  • Six red spots on each wing

Life Stages

Throughout its life, the Six Spot Burnet goes through several stages:

  1. Eggs: Laid by adult moths on the host plant.
  2. Caterpillars: Hatched from the eggs, they feed on leaves and grow.
  3. Cocoon: Caterpillars spin a cocoon where they pupate.
  4. Pupa: The stage where the caterpillar transforms into an adult moth.
  5. Adult moth: The fully developed six spot burnet, ready to reproduce.

It’s important to note that during the pupa stage, some individuals may overwinter in their cocoon until the following spring.

Toxicity

The Six Spot Burnet is known for its poisonous nature. Both the caterpillar and adult moth contain cyanide, making them toxic to predators. This defense mechanism helps them survive in the wild. As a result, when observing these fascinating creatures, it’s essential to be cautious and avoid direct contact with them.

Remember, always admire the beautiful Six Spot Burnet from a safe distance and enjoy the uniqueness of its physical characteristics.

Behaviors of the Six Spot Burnet

The Six Spot Burnet is a unique day-flying moth that stands out from other moth species. Its vibrant colors and patterns make it an intriguing subject for wildlife enthusiasts.

As a day-flying moth, you’ll often observe the Six Spot Burnet active during sunlight hours, unlike the majority of moths. Burnet moths, including the Six Spot Burnet, are known for their metallic green and red markings, which can serve as warnings to potential predators.

Here are some key behaviors of the Six Spot Burnet:

  • Day-flying burnet moths tend to visit nearby flowers, such as thistles and knapweeds, to feed on nectar.
  • When faced with a threat, they release a defensive chemical called hydrogen cyanide to deter predators like birds and spiders.

While observing the Six Spot Burnet in its natural habitat, you might notice the following:

  • They have a preference for sunlit grasslands and meadows, which provide ample flowers for feeding.
  • Burnet moths often fly in groups, so if you spot one, you’re likely to find others nearby.

In conclusion, the Six Spot Burnet is an exceptional day-flying moth that exhibits interesting behaviors and dazzling colors. As wildlife lovers, it’s essential to respect their habitat and help ensure the survival of these beautiful creatures.

Habitat

Where They Live

The Six Spot Burnet moth can be found across the UK, including Britain, Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, and the Isle of Man. You’ll mostly encounter these moths in the north, inhabiting meadows, woodland rides, sea-cliffs, and woodland clearings.

Host Plants

These moths have a preference for specific flowers, feeding on:

  • Scabious
  • Knapweed
  • Thistles
  • Bird’s-foot trefoil
  • Clover
  • Lotus corniculatus

These flowering plants provide essential nectar and nutrients for the Six Spot Burnet.

Conservation Status and Threats

The Six Spot Burnet’s conservation status is currently stable. However, as with many species, they face potential threats like habitat loss. To help protect these moths and their habitat, nature reserves and organizations such as Wildlife Trusts work diligently to preserve and maintain the environments they live in. By taking on these efforts, you can continue to enjoy spotting the beautiful Six Spot Burnet in the wild.

Role in the Ecosystem

The Six Spot Burnet, a butterfly species, plays an essential role in the ecosystem. They contribute to the pollination process by feeding on nectar from various plants. In doing so, they inadvertently transfer pollen between flowers, helping them to reproduce. As a result, these butterflies indirectly support the growth and diversity of plant species.

Wildlife is heavily influenced by the presence of the Six Spot Burnet. They are a valuable source of food for many predators, such as birds and other insects, providing sustenance to a wide range of species. In turn, this helps maintain a balanced and diverse ecosystem.

As a species, the Six Spot Burnet is not alone in its role; there are other key players in the ecosystem, including:

  • Butterflies: like the Six Spot Burnet, other butterfly species also act as pollinators and serve as prey for various predators.
  • Grasshoppers: although not as efficient pollinators, grasshoppers play a similar part in the food chain, providing sustenance to many predators.

To summarize:

  • Pollination: The Six Spot Burnet, along with other butterflies and insects, is crucial for pollination, helping plants to reproduce.
  • Food source: These insects act as prey for various predators, contributing to a balanced and diverse ecosystem.

Distribution and Seasonality

The Six Spot Burnet is a visually striking moth found in specific regions. Its distribution extends across the UK, southern Scandinavia, and central Europe, down to Morocco and the Middle East. Here are the key features of its distribution and seasonality:

  • Most commonly found in grassy meadows, coastal dunes, woodland clearings, and other sunny habitats.
  • Active during the months of June to August, with peak activity on sunny days.

The Six Spot Burnet has certain preferences when it comes to its surrounding environment:

  • Prefers areas with high populations of their favorite food plants, such as bird’s-foot trefoil and clover.
  • Finds comfort in limestone grasslands and areas with a high density of flowers.

During the summer months, you may notice the Six Spot Burnet fluttering around in open, sunny spaces. These moths are daytime fliers and are most active under the sun, which sets them apart from most other moths.

In summary, the Six Spot Burnet graces grassy meadows and flower-filled regions during the warm months of June to August. Keep an eye out for these stunning moths, particularly on sunny days, and enjoy the beauty they add to the landscape.

Anatomy and Identification

The Six Spot Burnet (Zygaena filipendulae) is a moth belonging to the family Zygaenidae. This unique species can be identified by some key features:

  • Bright yellow or greenish-yellow wings
  • Six distinct red spots on each wing
  • Metallic, iridescent sheen on the wings of certain subspecies, such as the f. flava

To identify a Six Spot Burnet, you can look for these specific traits:

  • Size: The moth has a medium length wingspan, usually around 3-4 cm.
  • Color: The base color ranges from yellow to greenish-yellow.
  • Spots: The six red spots found on each wing can vary in size and shape.
  • Habitat: They typically inhabit grasslands, meadows, and waste areas.

In comparison to other Zygaena species, the Six Spot Burnet is one of the more vibrant and easily identifiable members, due to its more prominent coloration and pattern.

When observing these creatures, remember to:

  • Respect their natural habitat and surroundings.
  • Make notes or take photographs if possible, to compare with reference material for proper identification.

By paying attention to these intricate details, you’ll be well on your way to successfully identifying the Six Spot Burnet.

History

Historical Significance

The Six Spot Burnet (Zygaena filipendulae) is a striking day-flying moth belonging to the family Zygaenidae. Its bright colors and intricate patterns have captured people’s imagination throughout history, making it a significant symbol in many cultures. The vivid colors of the Six Spot Burnet serve as a warning to predators of their unpalatability, which further enhances their fascinating biology.

Regional Variations

You may observe regional variations in the Six Spot Burnet across its habitats. In Britain, the species are popularly known as the British Burnet, and they tend to have a coastal bias. This means that the population density is usually higher in coastal regions compared to inland areas. Here’s a comparison to give you a better understanding:

Region Popularity Habitat
Coastal High Meadows
Inland Low Grasslands

Some features of the Six Spot Burnet include:

  • Six red spots on their dark, metallic greenish-blue wings
  • Vibrant colors to warn predators of their toxicity
  • Day-flying habits, which is unusual for moths

In conclusion, understanding the history and regional variations of the Six Spot Burnet provides valuable insights into this beautiful and intriguing day-flying moth species. Its historical significance and unique features make it an essential topic for moth enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

How to Attract Six Spot Burnets

To attract Six Spot Burnets to your garden or nearby nature reserve, you can focus on providing the right environment and resources to lure in these fascinating creatures. Let’s explore some simple methods to welcome them.

Firstly, be aware that Six Spot Burnets are particularly drawn to flower-rich habitats. Planting specific flowers like wildlife trusts recommended plants may increase the chances of Burnets visiting your area. Include a variety of native flowers and nectar-rich plants. This ensures a consistent source of food, as the adult Burnets feed on flower nectar.

Another crucial element is the availability of larval food sources. Burnets mainly feed on Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil, so try to incorporate this type of plant into your landscape. Introducing these plants can also benefit other pollinators that might come to visit your garden.

Don’t forget to provide a suitable habitat for Burnets to lay their eggs. Keep in mind that they prefer taller grasses to deposit their eggs. Create a specific area with longer grass to provide shelter and breeding grounds for these captivating insects.

Finally, consider partnering with local nature reserves or environmental organizations to promote habitat preservation. Collaboration with organizations like Nature reserve can help establish and maintain thriving ecosystems that benefit Six Spot Burnets as well as other native species in your area.

By implementing these friendly tips, you can create a welcoming environment for Six Spot Burnets, enjoy the beauty of these vibrant moths, and contribute to the wellbeing of your local ecosystem.

Conclusion

In the world of moths, the Six Spot Burnet is a fascinating species worth your attention. As you’ve learned, these moths have a striking appearance with their vibrant colors and distinct markings. Their daytime flying behavior makes them easy to spot and observe.

The Six Spot Burnet is also ecologically significant. The species plays a role in the food chain, serving as a food source for predators like birds and spiders. Additionally, the larvae feed on various plant species, which helps control the growth of those plants.

Remember to appreciate and respect the wildlife around you. Sharing your knowledge about the Six Spot Burnet can inspire others to take an interest in the natural world.

Enjoy your adventures in the great outdoors, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for these unique and beautiful Six Spot Burnet moths.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authors

  • Bugman

    Bugman aka Daniel Marlos has been identifying bugs since 1999. whatsthatbug.com is his passion project and it has helped millions of readers identify the bug that has been bugging them for over two decades. You can reach out to him through our Contact Page.

    View all posts
  • Piyushi is a nature lover, blogger and traveler at heart. She lives in beautiful Canada with her family. Piyushi is an animal lover and loves to write about all creatures.

    View all posts
Tags: Six Spot Burnets

Related Posts

16 Comments. Leave new

  • Julie Lynch
    June 7, 2013 7:59 pm

    Hi I found a moth or butterfly just inside my door today it’s black with four red spots and three red stripes I’m just wondering what it is I have pics but don’t no how to upload them

    Reply
  • Hello, thanks for helping find this insect. I’ve seen it in Cheltenham recently. It appears to be really fussy about flower types, as it navigate for ages around them until it finds a thistle head for example. Looking at the picture above it could be simply be the colour purple it likes. Anyway, it looks great in flight with it’s deep blue/black hue.

    Reply
  • I spotted this little bug in Essex. Knowing now that is a moth, I am very surprised as I saw it during day light. Red spots looked rather like Heart shapes.

    Reply
  • I have just found the above on my Lavendar bushes in France! It was too quick for my lens which is broken 🙁 Will keep an eye out now!

    Reply
  • Saw one on my bright yellow washing basket this morning – stayed there for ages while we watched it and took photos!

    Guilden, Morden, Cambridgeshire

    Reply
  • Saw one on my bright yellow washing basket this morning – stayed there for ages while we watched it and took photos!

    Guilden, Morden, Cambridgeshire

    Reply
  • How exciting! My daughter advised me to google my query. We have seen this beautiful insect in the garden; on lavender flowers and a thistle type flower. Not a nervous insect, so we were able to watch it for ages. In Ashtead, Surrey.

    Reply
  • Saw what must be a red and black burnett butterfly near thistles two days ago. Lovely red spots on black wings. Location – the unspoilt habitat next to Metrolink footpath at St. Werburgh Road tram-stop.

    Reply
  • Lived in Manchester for eighty-one years, and this was my very first sighting of the ever-so-small burnett butterfly. Made my day!

    Reply
  • Thanks Bugman. I spelt the name wrong too! Last year I watched a large dragonfly chasing a moth at Sale Water Park. They flew so fast, weaving and diving, twisting and turning, a display of aerial dexterity that had me spell-bound. Too fast to identify but the moth was the same size as a Burnet and I hope it got away.

    Reply
  • Miriam Rogers
    July 11, 2017 3:41 am

    I saw these, lots and lots of them for the first time yesterday. They were on the purple buddleia and purple thistle in an unspoilt area behind a supermarket in Dawlish, Devon.

    Reply
  • Alison Payne
    June 18, 2019 5:35 am

    One of the children in my class found one of these in our outdoor area. We didn’t know what it was and we’re excited when we learnt its name.

    Reply
  • Saw lots of these on thistle heads on the coastal path at Hendon in Sunderland. First time I have ever seen them and was pleased to identify them via your website.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fill out this field
Fill out this field
Please enter a valid email address.
You need to agree with the terms to proceed

keyboard_arrow_up