New Forest Burnet
Scientific name: Zygaena viciae
July. Only found in one area in Scotland. A small moth whose forewing is black with five red spots. Found on a south-facing, herb-rich grassy slope.
Superficially similar to several of the other burnet moths, but perhaps closest to the Five-spot Burnet. The New Forest Burnet has a round-tipped forewing with five clearly defined red spots and a dark area beyond. It is smaller and stouter than the Five-spot Burnet, with more slender and weakly clubbed antennae. The Five-spot Burnet also has more pointed wings.
The adults are rather sedentary, though the male flies in warm, calm conditions. During inclement weather it conceals itself low down amongst the vegetation. Visits the flowers of Wild Thyme and occasionally other nectar sources.
Size and Family
- Family – Burnets and Foresters (Zygaenids)
- Small Sized
Conservation status
Subspecies argyllensis
- UK BAP: Priority Species
- Endangered (Red Data Book category 1)
Subspecies ytenensis
- Extinct
Particular Caterpillar Food Plants
Meadow Vetchling and Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil.
Distribution
- Countries – Scotland
- Subspecies argyllensis is only known from one small area in Argyllshire, where it was first found in 1963. Subspecies ytenensis formerly occurred in the New Forest and was last found there in 1927.
Habitat
Only known from a single steep, south-facing, herb-rich, grassy slope with rocky ledges. Subspecies ytenensis was found along woodland rides and in clearings.
