Common Footman Moth vs Six-spot Burnet

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Footman Moth Six-spot Burnet
Scientific Name Eilema lurideola Zygaena filipendulae
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Zygaenidae
Size 31-38 mm wingspan 30-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Beaches & Coastal
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Footman Moth

A narrow-winged grey moth with a distinctive yellow-orange leading edge on the forewing. It rests with wings wrapped tightly around its body like a rolled leaf.

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Did You Know?

Its common name refers to the way it wraps its wings like a footman standing at attention.

Six-spot Burnet

A day-flying moth with metallic blue-black forewings bearing six crimson spots. Its bright colours warn predators of its cyanide-based chemical defences.

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Did You Know?

Both the larvae and adults contain hydrogen cyanide, making them highly toxic to predators.