The Distinctive Six-spot Burnet Moth

This creature, with its delicate wings and unique pattern, is a Six-spot Burnet Moth (Zygaena filipendulae). Though I specialize in…

This creature, with its delicate wings and unique pattern, is a Six-spot Burnet Moth (Zygaena filipendulae). Though I specialize in marine life, the world of entomology is equally fascinating. These moths are not typically found in the aquatic environment I study, but their biology is just as remarkable. The bold coloration of the Six-spot Burnet Moth, featuring a dark blue body and forewings with six bright red spots, is a form of aposematism—a warning to predators. This striking pattern alerts birds and other animals that the moth is highly toxic, as it contains hydrogen cyanide from the food plants it eats. This powerful chemical defense system allows them to fly freely during the day without fear of being eaten.