Southern Festoon vs Transparent Burnet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Southern Festoon | Transparent Burnet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zerynthia polyxena | Zygaena purpuralis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Zygaenidae |
| Size | 46-56 mm wingspan | 28-35 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southern and eastern Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern (protected in many countries) | Near Threatened |
Southern Festoon
A strikingly patterned butterfly with yellow wings marked with black zigzags and red spots. It is one of Europe's earliest spring butterflies and resembles a small, ornate kite.
Did You Know?
Its larvae sequester toxic aristolochic acids from their food plant, making all life stages unpalatable to birds.
Transparent Burnet
A day-flying moth with semi-transparent red-streaked forewings. It is found in calcareous grasslands where wild thyme grows.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed exclusively on wild thyme, making it entirely dependent on this one plant.