Zygaenidae

54.004 Transparent Burnet Zygaena purpuralis caledonensis Reiss, 1931

Notable A Western Scotland and the Hebrides

Zygaena purpuralis sabulosa Tremewan, 1976

Western Ireland

Zygaena purpuralis segontii Tremewan, 1958

RDB: presumed extinct Wales

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: South and south-west facing grassy or heathy slopes on or near the coast and limestone pavement.

Habits: Both sexes fly in warm, sunny weather and visit flowers. When it is dull or windy they sit openly in the grass, but far enough down for shelter if it is windy.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the leaves of Wild Thyme. It overwinters once or sometimes twice, then pupates in a cocoon concealed just above the soil.