Six-spot burnet moth  (Zygaena filipendulae stephensi)

Range

This moth has a wide distribution in Britain and is fairly common. In Scotland it becomes more of a coastal species (2).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Found in a range of habitats including meadows with plenty of flowers, chalk downland, sea-cliffs, woodland rides, railway cuttings, disused quarries, and sand hills (2) (1). It seems to prefer sites that have a mix of short and long grass, where there are sheltered sunny patches (3). The larvae need long grasses on which to pupate(1).

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