Zygaenidae

54.005 Slender Scotch Burnet Zygaena loti scotica (Rowland-Brown, 1919)

RDB

Similar species: The larger (15 to 19mm) Six-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae may have the outer spots partly merged.

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: Mainly south and south-west facing basaltic slopes near the sea where the sward is low, although the moths will nectar in taller areas. Although landslips, moderate disturbance and light grazing is preferred, heavy grazing is detrimental.

Habits: Both sexes fly in sunny weather and nectar at the flowers of the foodplant. The male is more active and visits flowers of many other species while searching out the female.

Foodplant: The larva is usually found on the smaller plants of Common Bird's-foot Trefoil, from two to a maximum of six centimetres in height and often in apparently poor condition. It may overwinter twice and pupates in an oval cocoon concealed close to the soil.