Zygaena lonicerae, Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet

Common Name: Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet

Zygaena lonicerae, more commonly known as the Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet, has a forewing of between 15 and 19 mm and is very similar to and sometimes difficult to distinguish from the Five-spot Burnet. In general, the forewing of the Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet is longer and more pointed, the upper angle of the hindwing is more pointed and the black border of the hindwing is narrower than those of the Five-spot Burnet. Sometimes, although infrequently, the red colour is replaced by yellow.

The moth flies from early June to the end of July, during the peak flowering time for our native wildflowers which is when the supply of nectar they feed on is most plentiful. It is attracted to a range of flowers, including thistles, knapweeds, and scabious.

The adults lay their eggs on various species of native wildflowers, and the larvae remain visible on the stems of the plants. They pupate in transparent cocoons, also spun and positioned on plant stems. The larval foodplants of the Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Moth include Bird's-foot Trefoil, White and Red Clover, Meadow Vetchling and Sainfoin. In Britain and Ireland this moth is both common and widespread.

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