Six-spot Burnet vs Goatweed Leafwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Six-spot Burnet | Goatweed Leafwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zygaena filipendulae | Anaea andria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Zygaenidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm wingspan | 55-75 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia | Central and Eastern United States, northern Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Both the larvae and adults contain hydrogen cyanide, making them highly toxic to predators.
Goatweed Leafwing
A bright orange butterfly whose angular wing shape and mottled brown underside create a perfect dead-leaf disguise when at rest. It almost never visits flowers.
Did You Know?
It overwinters as an adult, hiding among dead leaves where its camouflage makes it virtually invisible.