What is a burnet moth?

Answer 1

Zygaenidae are a family of Lepidoptera (moths) typically day-flying with a slow fluttering flight, and with rather clubbed antennae. They generally have a metallic sheen and often prominent spots of red or yellow. The bright colours are a warning to predators that the moths are distasteful - they contain hydrogen cyanide throughout all stages of their life-cycle. Unlike most insects with such toxins, they manufacture these themselves rather than obtaining them from host plants (Scoble 1992). They are known to have mimicry complexes based on these toxins.

The majority of Zygaenids are tropical, but they are nevertheless quite well represented in temperate regions. There are about 1000 species. Various species are commonly known as Burnet or Forester moths, often qualified by the number of spots, although other families also have 'foresters'. They are also sometimes called Smoky moths.

Source: Answers.com

Answer 2

A burnet moth is a member of the Zygaenidae family, known for their striking black and red coloration. They are medium-sized moths with a distinctive clubbed antennae. Burnet moths are often found in flowery meadows and grasslands across Europe and Asia.