Six-spot Burnet vs Golden Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Six-spot Burnet Golden Stonefly
Scientific Name Zygaena filipendulae Calineuria californica
Order Lepidoptera Plecoptera
Family Zygaenidae Perlidae
Size 30-40 mm wingspan 25-35 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, western Asia North America
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Golden Stonefly

A large predatory stonefly with a golden-brown body found in western North American rivers. Its nymphs are active hunters on the streambed.

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Did You Know?

Golden stonefly nymphs are apex predators of the streambed, hunting mayfly and caddisfly larvae among the cobbles.