Six-spot burnet moth  (Zygaena filipendulae stephensi)

Biology

This moth lives in colonies, and flies in sunshine from June to August (2). It feeds on the nectar of a large range of flowers, with wild thyme being a particular favourite (3). On overcast days it tends to retreat deep into grasses and can be difficult to spot (4). It is a single-brooded species, and the eggs are laid on bird’s-foot-trefoil. The caterpillars overwinter once, and occasionally twice, before pupating in paper-like cocoons on grass stems before emerging in June (4).

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